Suzuki announces plug-in hybrid version of Swift in Japan

Suzuki will soon start limited production of its Swift plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) in Japan, following type approval from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. However, the company has yet to decide on the commercial launch of the model in Japan and other major markets. Meanwhile, Sanyo Electric has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Suzuki to supply lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries for the Swift PHV. Swift PHV will boast a K6A 658-cc engine and will use a lithium-ion battery with a driving range of around 15 kilometers on electricity alone, which will generate fuel efficiency of around 37.6 kilometers per liter (kpl). Recharging is said to take around 90 minutes using a standard 100-volt outlet. (May 14, 2010)