Suzuki Reported to Launch Swift Plug-In Hybrid in 2013

Suzuki Swift PHEV – Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been awhile since we've come across reports related to Suzuki's Swift plug-in hybrid concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show way back in 2009, but now the Nikkei (sub. req.) claims that Suzuki is looking to launch the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle as early as 2013.

The Nikkei says that the concept Swift plug-in is powered by a 55 kW (73.8 horsepower) motor and packs a 2.66 kWh lithium-ion battery. The plug-in's 660 cc engine is reportedly quite the fuel sipper, with combined fuel consumption listed at 37.6 kilometers per liter (88.4 miles per gallon U.S.) on Japan's JC08 cycle. The plug-in Swift supposedly boasts an electric-only range of up to 19 miles. How much will it cost? We're not sure, but the Nikkei says that it will probably be around 500,000 yen ($6,220 U.S. at the current exchange rate) higher than the standard Swift, and nor more than two million yen ($24,882 U.S.) all told. Suzuki apparently hopes to sell "several thousand" in Japan before starting exports. With Suzuki's prominent position in Japan, the plug-in Swift could quickly become one of the island nation's must-have vehicles.



Source: Autoblog Green

Sanyo Supplying Li-ion Batteries for Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid

Sanyo Electric recently announced an agreement with Suzuki Motor to supply lithium-ion battery systems for the Swift Plug-in Hybrid. Suzuki has already announced its intention to start manufacturing the vehicles.

The plug-in is powered by a 55 kW, 180 N·m AC synchronous motor and a 2.66 kWh Li-ion battery pack. The 0.66L engine is the K6A, earlier versions of which were used in the Cappuccino.

The Swift Plug-in Hybrid will serve as a model supported by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The new model will serve as a demonstration experiment and the experiment will be implemented at Suzuki dealers from this autumn.

Sanyo has been supplying nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to Honda and Ford since 2004. Sanyo has also been carrying out joint development with the Volkswagen Group for next-generation nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion battery systems, as well as with PSA Peugeot Citroen for a nickel-metal hydride battery system. Sanyo sees this new partnership as a way to further enhance its relationship with Suzuki and further appeal its strengths in next-generation battery technology for automobiles.

Sanyo plans to accelerate the development and commercialization of high-performance batteries, and is working on global business expansion of rechargeable automotive batteries.

Source: Green Car Congress