Suzuki Displays Electric Swift Concept At Tokyo

Updated: Thursday, September 20, 2012, 14:39 [IST]

Building electric cars seems to be fad among carmakers. Several countries are encouraging development of electric cars. We had earlier reported about BMW unveiling the i3 and i8 hybrid electric cars and now we have news that will excite us even more. Suzuki has now joined the bandwagon of carmakers who have shown an inclination towards electric cars.

Suzuki Motor has displayed the first hybrid version of the new Swift at the Tokyo Auto show. The Swift concept is powered by electric motors and has a petrol engine that acts as a range extender. The engine does not power the wheels. Instead it charges up the battery. The Swift can be run up to 30 kilometres as a pure electric vehicle before the petrol engine starts replenishing the used up batteries.

Suzuki Motor has said the electric hybrid Swift concept was its way of displaying its prowess in building hybrid vehicles. It may be recalled that Suzuki and Volkswagen have been in a war of words over technology sharing. Suzuki had accused VW of not providing relevant hybrid technology. The new Swift concept clearly is Suzuki's way of countering VW.

Now that the Swift gets the hybrid touch, it becomes a much more important car for India. If a Swift Hybrid does make it to the market, it will probably the best thing to happen to Maruti Suzuki.

The Indian carmaker is struggling with the high demand for its diesel cars and dwindling demand for petrol cars. If a petrol hybrid Swift is built in India, the improved fuel economy of the vehicle will definitely help offset the increasing petrol prices.

Article Published On: Thursday, November 10, 2011, 15:34 [IST]

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