Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept Announced for Tokyo Debut

Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid - 750

Plug-in hybrid version of Suzuki Swift comes with its own trim but is still only a concept

By Alex Ricciuti
October 1, 2009 7:32 PM
Filed Under: Hybrid, Japanese, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show

Despite the lack of particpation from the major U.S. and European automakers, there is still news to be had about debuts at the upcoming Tokyo motor show.

Suzuki will be introducing a new plug-in hybrid Swift at the Tokyo show later this month (which runs October 21 to November 4).

Not much info is to be had on the Swift plug-in hybrid as no performance or output figures are available. Suzuki doesn't even give us the displacement of the engine. The details provided say only that it will be powered by a small gasoline/petrol engine coupled to an electric motor with electrical current stored in a lithium-ion battery pack.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Swift is capable of being charged from a standard home electrical outlet. It runs on electrical power only, with the engine acting as a generator to recharge the batteries if they run low while driving.

The Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid is still a concept and so the Japanese automaker has added certain features to distinguish it from the standard-powered production model. These include a new set of headlights and wheels for the exterior. On the inside, the Swift plug-in hybrid comes with its own cabin trim which also features lightweight seats for the driver and front passenger done in a 'web-design' material finish.

Source: carscoop.blogspot.com

Press Release (Click to expand)

We are pleased to inform you that Suzuki will have a major presence at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009, which will be held at the Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex in Chiba City from 21 October to 4 November 2009. It will be organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the Suzuki booth will bring together automobiles, motorcycles, power-assisted bicycles, and electric wheelchairs under an overall theme of "small cars for a big future". As well as showing Suzuki products, it will highlight the company's future-oriented initiatives. Visitors will see how Suzuki's automaking spirit and technologies realize exciting lifestyle possibilities.

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The Swift Plug-in Hybrid is a series hybrid incorporating a propulsion motor, a battery, and an engine-powered generator. Reflecting a close focus on daily convenience, it's designed primarily to be driven only on electric power on short day-to-day drives.

For the short distances involved in daily shopping or commuting, the Swift Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a battery that's charged from a household mains socket. When the battery runs low, an engine of a kind usually used in minivehicles powers a generator that charges the battery. This means the Swift Plug-in Hybrid not only meets the needs of the many people who drive no more than 20km each day but also saves users from worrying about being stranded or having to search for a charging stand if the battery runs low.

With the Swift Plug-in Hybrid, anyone can easily do something for the environment while enjoying daily mobility.