Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing
Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle – Click above for high-res image gallery
The Suzuki SX4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) isn't a new vehicle – they've been used for testing on Japanese streets since last year – but the colors and stickers on the model on display at the Tokyo Motor Show meant we needed to get some fresh pics to share with you. Under the new look, the SX4 FCV is the same as before, with an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack from GM and a high-pressure 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tank. The car reportedly can go up to 75 mph and has a 155-mile range using a 68 kW electric motor and a lightweight capacitor. The capacitor is used to not only regulate the flow of electrons to the wheels but also to retain energy collected from the regenerative brakes on the SX4 FCV. Suzuki says it wants to commercialize the technology someday, but for now is happy with the "ongoing development."
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV
Photos copyright ©2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
letstakeawalk 4:21PM (10/22/2009)
"...but for now is happy with the "ongoing development."
As are many people, save the diehard BEV supporters. For some reason they think that advances in fuel cell technology are actively hurting... who? Of course, someone will come in and complain, and threadjack this into an anti HFCV post (as usual).
Glad to another automaker sticking with hydrogen. I've always liked the way the greenhouse dips into the front quarter panel on this little Suzuki.
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paulwesterberg 5:29PM (10/22/2009)
happy with the "ongoing development" means not commercially viable.
Sean 5:36PM (10/22/2009)
I'm not sure if no plans for commercialization qualifies as "sticking with hydrogen"
letstakeawalk 5:55PM (10/22/2009)
You guys really need to find a different hobby. Me, I like reading about things I like. Why don't you try that?
Chris M 11:19PM (10/22/2009)
Of course they're happy with "ongoing development", as long as the H2 research funds keep flowing from Government. Doesn't mean they're going into production any time soon.
Ernie 7:30PM (10/23/2009)
"Of course, someone will come in and complain, and threadjack this into an anti HFCV"
You mean like you just did?
jake 4:50PM (10/22/2009)
Interior/under the hood shots? Can't really see anything interesting from the outside.
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letstakeawalk 6:35PM (10/22/2009)
Here's a link to a photo of the SX4 FC.
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/tokyo/2009/112_0910_suzuki_swift_plug_in_hybrid_and_sx4_fcv/photo_08.html
Mark Kiernan 5:53PM (10/22/2009)
Every penny spent on H2 is a penny wasted. Look even if it cost nothing, it would still not be cost effective to the final consumer.
BTW the car is nice, stick in a battery ;-)
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Dave 7:33PM (10/22/2009)
"Look even if it cost nothing, it would still not be cost effective to the final consumer"
200,000 miles worth of hydrogen would still cost less than the battery pack in a Tesla.
Chris M 11:17PM (10/22/2009)
Yes, Dave, but you're comparing apples to oranges. 20,000,000 miles worth of electricity would still cost less than an automotive H2 fuel cell. Come to think of it, a million miles worth of electricity would still cost less than an automotive H2 fuel storage tank!
Doug 11:43PM (10/22/2009)
I don't think research on fuel cells is a waste. I just don't think it makes since to spend money building a hydrogen fueling infrastructure. BEVs and PHEVs are coming in the near term. Liquid fuels aren't going away any time soon. Fuel cell advocates should work harder on something that can dovetail with the existing liquid fuel infrastructure.
letstakeawalk 11:53PM (10/22/2009)
"Fuel cell advocates should work harder on something that can dovetail with the existing liquid fuel infrastructure."
It's interesting that you should say that. Some people think being pro-hydrogen equals being pro-big oil. One of the more tin-foil fears I've heard mentioned is that somehow hydrogen advocates are really no more than advocates for the evil big oil companies that want to continue to enslave the consumer masses...
I always LOL when I read that ;) Anyway, much research into fuel cells is actively paid for by the petrochemical companies that are pretty sure they can make a profit selling hydrogen to the masses. I'm not sure that letting them migrate into other energy vectors is such a bad idea - they also spend a lot on biofuels and other alternatives.
letstakeawalk 6:03PM (10/22/2009)
Suzuki is also showing a hydrogen fuel cell scooter at the show. Can we get an article?
http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=51248
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Ernie 7:31PM (10/23/2009)
"155-mile range"
Irony: 3 stories down, the headline is "Honda CEO: People will embrace fuel cells when they realize battery limits"
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letstakeawalk 2:53PM (10/24/2009)
Which 4 passenger BEV has a 155 mile range? For a pure fuel cell, not using it as a range extender, this Suzuki does pretty well relative to any battery powered EV.
XYZ 10:14PM (10/24/2009)
@letstakeawalk:
Which fool cell vehicle gives you the full available range as soon as you leave your garage in the morning?
letstakeawalk 7:04PM (10/25/2009)
XYZ
The Honda FCX Clarity and the GM Equinox FCV both have an optional home hydrogen generator. The Honda unit also has the capability to provide electricity and heat to your home, reducing your overall energy use.
http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/home-energy-station.aspx
Anyone could potentially make their own hydrogen at home, using a variety of energy sources.
http://www.nfcrc.uci.edu/2/ACTIVITIES/PROJECTS/hydrogen/HydrogenicsHomeFueler.aspx