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At the Tokyo Motor
Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the
future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell
Vehicle (FCV).
Swift Plug-in
Hybrid is ideal for drivers who travel low mileages of around 20km every
day and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power. It is
fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a generator to
charge the lithium-ion battery if capacity level drops. Further
recharging when parked is by means of a domestic plug socket. The type
of petrol engine used for the Hybrid is similar to that fitted to
Suzuki’s compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan.
Also on display as
part of Suzuki’s longer term future is the SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle)
which combines a General Motors produced high performance fuel cell with
a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a light and compact
capacitor. The capacitor helps to promote driving performance by
recovering energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell
loading under acceleration. The FCV is currently under test on public
roads in Japan.
On two wheels; and
after stunning the motorcycle world with the Crosscage fuel cell bike in
2007, Suzuki have now applied this technology in a more accessible way
by adapting it to its popular Burgmann scooter. The fuel cell is air
cooled and is of light and compact design with a hydrogen tank capacity
of 70MPa, the highest used on a bike so far.
Continuing the fuel
cell theme; Suzuki has been producing electric wheelchairs for 35 years
and will be showing the MIO – powered by a direct methanol fuel cell
instead of a conventional lead – acid battery. The methanol solution is
held in a cartridge bottle that can easily be replaced by the user when
empty, removing any worries of running out of fuel on the road. Suzuki
began joint trials of the MI0 with the Shizuoka prefecture government in
November 2008 with a view to enhancing it ready for commercial sale.
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