Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid at Tokyo

Suzuki will unveil the Swift Plug-in Hybrid at Tokyo, featuring a small range-extender engine and designed to run as an EV.

We’re beginning to wonder if Motor Show organisers have made it a condition of exhibition space that car makers bring along a hybrid or a plug-in or an EV – or preferably all three. Frankfurt was heavy enough on these Eco cars, but Tokyo is lining up to be almost exclusively Eco and Green.

Latest to announce their Eco offering is Suzuki, with the Swift Plug-in Hybrid. Principally designed to be an electric car, the Swift plug-in also has a small petrol engine which, when the charge in the lithium-ion batteries is depleted, kicks in to recharge the batteries, rather than drive the car. This is similar to the system implemented in the Opel Ampera and the Jaguar XJ Limo Green with the Lotus Range Extender setup.

And actually, if you’re going to buyild an electric ar, this is by far the most sensible route to go. Battery technology as it stands doesn’t offer a great range, so electric cars are limited to short city use. By fitting a small range extender engine, which can run at a constant – and much more economical – speed you get a far more usable electric car.

Because the Swift Plug-in is badged a Concept there are a few flights of fancy that are unlikely to make it in to production, including a titivated front end and mesh covered seats (a bit like those in the Honda Skydeck Concept). But the Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid will go in to production.

Sooner, rather than later.