Suzuki will display their latest environmental technology at next month’s Paris Motor Show with a new Suzuki Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).
This state-of-the-art vehicle is based on the SX4 hatch, and powered by a high-performance fuel cell that emits no pollutants – just water and heat.
Unlike conventional electric vehicles that use electricity from an external source (and store it in a battery), FCVs create their own electricity. Fuel cells onboard the vehicle create electricity through a chemical process using hydrogen fuel and oxygen.
Hydrogen for the fuel cells are stored in a sophisticated 70 MP tank developed by Suzuki. A lightweight, compact capacitor captures regenerative energy under braking, which is then employed to reduce fuel cell load under acceleration.
The SX4-FCV has a fuel cell output of 80 kW and an electric motor output of 68 kW. Maximum speed is 150 km/h, with an operating range of 250 km.
Suzuki has been engaged in a research and development programme focused on fuel cell vehicles with GM since 2001.
The SX4-FCV is its fourth compact fuel cell vehicle to be evaluated on public roads.
The Japanese government has approved the use of Suzuki’s advanced SX4-FCV fuel cell vehicle on public roads after the Paris show.
The results of the real-world testing will be used in further development of the vehicle, with the ultimate aim of producing a viable fuel cell-based production model.
Posted on 26/09/08 By F.B
