Tokyo 2009: Suzuki's green vehicle convoy

In brief: Suzuki is making its presence known at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing a plug-in hybrid concept and no fewer than three fuel cell vehicles.

The word

Suzuki's SX4-FCV concept uses an 80kW hydrogen fuel cell by General Motors, but the rumored production model—should it ever get that far—-will have a fuel cell provided by in-house engineering, along with a 68kW electric motor and a range of 155 miles (250km). The company is currently running the SX4-FCV through road tests in Japan.

The Suzuki Swift plug-in electric hybrid concept meanwhile is a series hybrid that combines a 658cc gas engine with a 74hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

Finally, Suzuki is showing off two other vehicles powered by fuel cells; The Mio electric wheelchair uses replaceable methanol fuel cells, and the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, developed in conjunction with fuel cell pioneer Intelligent Energy, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

And so ….

Suzuki's fuel cell push seems like an example of bad timing, but that shouldn't detract from what could be a nice line of green vehicles a few years down the road.

Photo credits: Suzuki

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