News Release
Concept Suzuki Swift and SX4 Models with Alternative Fuel Sources
16 February 2010
An electrically powered concept version of the top-selling small car in New Zealand is being displayed in Europe.
The Suzuki Swift “plug-in” hatchback, first shown in Japan late last year, will feature at the international Geneva motor show in March.
The special Swift differs from other petrol/electric hybrid models in that the Suzuki’s electric motor provides the driving force while a small petrol motor tops up the batteries when necessary.
While the car’s range is limited, the Swift is ideal for drivers who do low mileages each day, and the economy and zero emission advantages are a real plus.
Visually identical to the production 1.5-litre petrol Swift sold in New Zealand, the five-door Swift hybrid has lithium-ion batteries located between the front seats. The batteries power a 54 kW electric motor, providing a range of 20 kilometres, with the petrol motor acting as a backup.
A generator quickly charges the batteries when the capacity level falls. When connected to a standard household electrical socket, the car’s batteries are fully recharged in three hours.
Suzuki says in Japan 60 per cent of small car owners drive less than 20 kilometres a day and because of this it was decided to minimise the volume of the Swift’s batteries to 2.66 kWh.
Not only does this reduce the cost of the vehicle but also allow more space within the car.
Special lightweight seats are fitted to the Swift plug-in model, with the black upholstery distinguished by yellow stitching.
The Swift has been New Zealand’s best selling supermini since its introduction in 2005, and the car’s popularity has continued into this year. In January the model again led the supermini class and was third top model overall.
At the same time, Suzuki lifted its share of the local new car market to 7.8 per cent, an increased penetration compared to the make’s result in 2009.
Suzuki Motor Corporation has been active in other areas of fuel efficiency and alternative power sources
A fuel cell version of the Suzuki SX4, which has been completing field tests on public roads in Japan, is being shown at major overseas motor shows.
The SX4 FCV uses a compressed hydrogen battery producing up to 80 kilowatts of electricity to serve a 91 horsepower electric motor.
Braking energy is recaptured and stored to assist in the car’s acceleration and the concept SX4 has a range of 250 kilometres and a top speed of 145 km/h.
While the special fuel cell car looks the same as the production SX4 hatchback available in New Zealand, its mechanicals are quite different.
The car has an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack and a high pressure 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tank. A capacitor is used not only to regulate the flow of electrons to the wheels but also to retain energy collected from the regenerative brakes.
The capacitor takes the place of the more common battery pack and helps smooth out the flow of electrons to the 68 kW electric motor.
The SX4 fuel-cell car is part of Suzuki’s on-going development and has been under test since 2008.
Suzuki also has a hydrogen scooter and a personal mobility vehicle that uses easily replaceable methanol fuel cell cartridges in lieu of batteries.
The research and development department of Suzuki’s Indian arm, Maruti, has revealed the R3 concept car, a compact and stylish MPV that can seat up to six adults in three rows. If put into production, it could have great potential, not only in India but also in other world markets.
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