Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid
Suzuki Swift PHEV – Click above for high-res image gallery
Beside the SX4 FCV on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki is showing off a plug-in hybrid version of the Swift. The Swift PHEV concept pairs a 660 cc engine to a set of li-ion batteries that live between the front seats and send energy to a 54 kW motor that powers the front wheels. With Suzuki's strong place in the Japanese market – and considering all of the make and model badges that the Swift has worn over the years – seeing a plug-in powertrain in this little car could portend good things.
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Swift PHEV
Photos copyright ©2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NeilBlanchard 11:06PM (10/22/2009)
Hello,
The description makes me think that this is a serial hybrid, where only the electric motor moves the car, and the gasoline engine spins a generator that charges the battery pack. Am I correct on this?
Sincerely, Neil
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craagz 5:24AM (10/23/2009)
Wouldn't be called a hybrid if it has only one drive.
shiakas 7:57AM (10/23/2009)
You are correct! http://www.littleabout.com/news/40974,suzuki-motor-corporation-set-dominate-global-automobile-market.html
Now Suzuki, put this thing on the market today!!!
NeilBlanchard 7:17AM (10/23/2009)
Huh? A serial hybrid is a just as much as hybrid as a parallel hybrid! It take both power plants to run the car! The difference is whether both are used to move the vehicle *directly* (i.e. a parallel hybrid), or whether only the electric motor moves the vehicle and the fuel burning power plant charges the electrical system (i.e. a serial hybrid).
A diesel electric train locomotive is a serial hybrid. A Prius and an Insight are parallel hybrids.
Which type of hybrid is this Swift?
Neil
NeilBlanchard 7:18AM (10/23/2009)
...and a Volt is a serial hybrid, too.
BChau 1:11AM (10/23/2009)
I would like to see a pure plug-in Electric SWIFT.
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Serge 2:17PM (10/23/2009)
Details severely lacking: all electric range, mpg in recharge mode?
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David L 8:07PM (10/23/2009)
I am a big fan on Suzuki. Their vehicles are very well made and don't cost too much. Suzuki has previously partnered with GM ... I wondering if they are licensing parts of the Voltec drive system?
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kagiso 10:50AM (10/24/2009)
From a European point of view this is the first hybrid I have seen that really makes sense. Small city runabout, hopefully enough batteries for a short commute, but not enough to make it expensive, plug it in overnight to keep the bills down, and a small petrol engine for longer trips and the occasional bit of the commute where you actually can drive at speed.
If the price is reasonably close to standard cars of similar size, this could sell like hotcakes.
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MulletMan_of_KeyWest 4:47PM (10/24/2009)
I have always enjoyed Suzuki Motorcycles going back to the 70's.....
Ready to see them do the Plug in Electric Vehicles now !!!
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