Tokyo Show 2009 Highlights: Suzuki Swift Plug-In Hybrid Concept

Making their own foray into the world of electric vehicles, Suzuki is bringing two electrified versions of its Swift compact car to the Tokyo Motor Show, one a plug-in hybrid and the other a fuel-cell vehicle.

The more conventional Swift Plug-in Hybrid is really more of an extended-range electric vehicle and operates much like the Chevrolet Volt. Like the Chevy, an electric motor actually drives the wheels while a small gasoline engine acts only as a generator that produces electricity to either recharge the battery or power the electric motor. The battery can also be recharged by plugging it into a wall socket. Suzuki is targeting the car at in-city commuters who, according to the company’s research, travel less than 15 miles per day on average. By adding the gas-powered generator, though, the Swift Plug-in Hybrid isn’t limited by its battery size.

While Suzuki hasn’t released any information about the Swift Plug-in Hybrid’s range or fuel-economy, it’s expected to be impressive thanks in part to the car’s small size and weight. Suzuki hasn’t announced production plans either, but it’s likely the technology will see production in the future even if this exact car doesn’t.

Thanks to: Motor Trend