Suzuki Swift EV – With the range extender

Whether the pure electric car is a viable concept is hotly debated. The Japanese manufacturer Suzuki is with the Swift Hybrid EV from the auto show in Tokyo on a solution that relies on the extension of coverage to a range extender petrol engine.

This avoids the small car, the classic problems of the electric car – limited range and long charging times. The concept is similar to the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera.

Smaller battery packs

The small car on the recently launched Swift Swift based hybrid EV is equipped with an asynchronous electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. When the battery level becomes too low, turns on a 660-cc gasoline engine that drives a generator. The Swift-electric hybrid EV is 30 kilometers.

The Range Extender has several advantages: The battery pack can be kept relatively small and light. It fits under the trunk floor. And he can be charged quickly: the charging process takes less than a household outlet for 90 minutes. Charge and energy flows can be accessed through various screens in the vehicle.

Suzuki wants to show the Swift Hybrid EV and that one is not necessarily dependent on the electrical expertise of Volkswagen. Actually, they had allied themselves with the Wolfsburg to jointly promote the development of electric vehicles.

But the relationship with Volkswagen is on the rocks – and the electrical Swift is a personal contribution to the fair. Purely stylistic way, it differs little from the regular Swift – it is up to the headlights, tail lights and instruments to manifest the progressive nature of this model visually.