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: Nikkei – sub. req. via Green Car Congress]
