On May 13th, 2010, Suzuki announced that the company carries out the demonstration experiment of PHV (Plug in Hybrid Vehicle) from this fall. The company sets several tens of PHVs in its agents within Japan in order to collect the information of driving data in various transportation conditions and maintenance needed. Such PHVs have the engine for generating power. It is natural that the company should release this PHV in near future.

 The PHV is “Swift Plug in Hybrid”, which the company obtained its type approval from MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) on May 12th, 2010. And therefore such a vehicle can get a number plate as well as usual car. The appearance of 5-seat vehicle is almost same as that of usual Swift.

 The PHV can be charged to the lithium-ion battery mounted via electric current source for domestic use and can travel about 15 km by the electric motor mounted. When its battery level falls, it can run by using electric power which is generated by the small engine mounted. The company said that the company could reduce the number of lithium-ion batteries by mounting the small engine. It led to the achievement of lighter body and the cost cut.