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Technology is evolving at an astonishing rate and as we venture into a more sustainable future, a lot of us are beginning to think about the eventual, and inevitable switch to an electric vehicle.
Fully electric vehicles (EVs) are still a way off being suitable for every car owner due to long distance driving requirements and the lack of a reliable infrastructure of charging points, however Suzuki’s Hybrid range offers a perfect, and realistic solution in the current climate.
You may be wondering how Hybrids are different to EVs (electric vehicles) and may also be worried about where and how often you will need to charge. Let us explain more...
With a Self-Charging Hybrid you can drive just like you would with any other conventional petrol or diesel car, whilst also saving on fuel costs AND doing your bit for the environment. There's no need to think about charging as these cars are fitted with both an engine and a battery.
This means that they take the kinetic energy created when braking and convert it into electrical energy, so you get a more eco-friendly and economical drive without the fear of running out of charge mid-journey.
The entire Suzuki range now features proven self-charging hybrid technology so that includes the Ignis, Swift, Swift Sport, S-Cross, Vitara and the most recent addition the Swace.
A Plug-In hybrid (PHEV) is the closest you'll get to an electric car without actually buying an electric car! A PHEV provides many of the fuel and emission benefits of electric cars on short drives but with the reassurance of a petrol or diesel engine for longer distances. Like self-charging hybrid models, PHEVs have both an engine and an electric motor the difference being that the battery is much larger allowing the vehicle to run for a longer distance on pure electric power alone.
The ACross is currently Suzuki's only PHEV model but boasts one of the longest ranges of any plug-in hybrid with up to 46 miles of zero emissions.
Full EV technology can, of course, be brilliant but there are some obvious limitations. Aside from the current lack of an adequate public charging infrastructure, they can also be problematic to charge at home. Not every household has the necessary electrical capacity for a fast charger (always check first!) and if you don’t have a private driveway, it can be impractical to run a lead from a roadway or from flats or apartments.
Long journeys can also be an issue with fully electric cars but with ‘on the move’ charging through a Hybrid vehicle you can set off in total confidence that you will arrive at your destination without the need to stop and recharge along the way. You can reap improved performance and efficiency without worries or inconveniences to your journey.
When the engine is stopped (for example at traffic lights), electrical components are powered by the batteries, saving fuel.
The Hybrid system functions as a starter motor to restart the engine quietly and smoothly.
The Hybrid system can assist the engine when starting from a standstill or when accelerating, improving fuel efficiency.
The Hybrid system uses deceleration energy to generate electricity and efficiently charge the vehicle’s batteries.
When the engine is stopped (for example at traffic lights), electrical components are powered by the batteries, saving fuel
The Hybrid system functions as a starter motor to restart the engine quietly and smoothly.
The Hybrid system can assist the engine when starting from a standstill or when accelerating, improving fuel efficiency.
The Hybrid system uses deceleration energy to generate electricity and efficiently charge the vehicle’s batteries.
The Hybrid system strengthens acceleration response by instantly adding torque from the electric motor to the engine torque to compensate for engine response delays.
The Hybrid system makes acceleration smoother by adding torque from the electric motor to the engine torque until turbocharging kicks in.
When the clutch is disengaged for deceleration and the engine revs down to idling speed, the electric motor idles the engine and eliminates fuel use.
All units stop to prevent wasted energy consumption
The electric motor quietly and smoothly starts off the vehicle
The electric motor drives the vehicle without using the engine
The engine and motor (powered by the engine via generator) drive the vehicle. If the hybrid battery’s charge is low, the engine charges the battery via generator while driving
The engine and motor drive the vehicle. Electricity is supplied to the motor from both the engine (via generator) and hybrid battery
The motor uses wheel rotation to generate electricity and charge the battery
The electric motor drives the vehicle without using the engine
All units stop to prevent wasted energy consumption
The electric motor quietly and smoothly starts off the vehicle
The electric motor drives the vehicle without using the engine
The motor (powered by the battery, with additional power provided by the engine via generator) drive the vehicle
The electric motor continues to drive the vehicle and uses additional power from the engine if required
The generator uses wheel rotation to generate electricity and charge the battery
If you're interested in finding out more about the Suzuki hybrid range, or better still want to take one for a test drive, then all you need to do is contact your local Colin Appleyard Suzuki dealership. A member of our team will be more than happy to answer any questions and / or book an appointment
