The new Suzuki hybrid/EV/range extender is worthy of attention

Suzuki's new Swift EV/hybrid is one of the most interesting plug-in concepts in some time, despite its confusion hybrid/EV nomenclature.

Is it a hybrid, an EV, a plug-in hybrid?


Despite making battery vehicle nomenclature even more confusing

The new Suzuki hybrid/EV plug-in concept is actually one of the more interesting plug-in concepts to hit the light of day in some time, but a hybrid/EV? Can’t we just call it a plug-in hybrid?

Like the Chevy Volt, which GM calls a range extended EV, the new Suzuki plug-in functions like an EV, but also uses gasoline to generate extra electricity once electricity from the battery has been used. But, what’s most interesting about the Suzuki hybrid/EV is its electric range.

At just 11.2 miles of EV range, the new Suzuki is more like the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid than the Volt, which averages 35 miles of EV range according to the EPA, while the new Prius plug-in is expected to average to just 14 miles. However, unlike the Prius plug-in, which is engineered to use the most efficient combination of electricity and/or gasoline, both the Suzuki and Chevy plug-ins almost always use just electricity to power the vehicle, even if that electricity is really just gasoline incarnate.

So, why does just 11.2 miles of EV range make me so excited?

Because numerous studies have suggested that the best path to plug-in success, until a significant battery breakthrough is achieved, is via small battery packs. While greater EV range is more exciting, if the goal is to push plug-ins into the mainstream, then plug-ins need to be as cost-effective as possible.

Moreover, early Nissan Leaf consumer studies, for instance, indicate that average 1 one commutes are just 6 miles. Thus, the Suzuki EV/hybrid offers enough EV range for average commuting, and coupled with public EV charging, such a vehicle could accomplish most driving needs using only grid electricity, without transporting extra, heavy and expensive batteries.

Of course, how functional is this new plug-in concept from Suzuki? Is it still just vaporware, or a production-ready concept?

We’ll find out more at the Tokyo Auto Show.

Source: AutomotiveNews

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