Suzuki introduces a new self-charging 48V hybrid powertrain

MANILA: Suzuki introduces a new hybrid powertrain that is 15 percent more fuel-efficient than the current hybrid model.

In line with Suzuki’s strategic direction to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy across its portfolio of vehicles, the company introduced three derivatives of 48-volt self-charging hybrid that offers up to 15 percent overall improvement in WLTP Combined fuel consumption, a greater level of torque, and as much as 20 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

According to Suzuki, the new self-charging powertrains will directly replace the current 1.4-liter Boosterjet derivatives with manual transmission and will be fitted on the Swift Sport, Vitara, and S-Cross models.

The new Suzuki 48V hybrid powertrain is similar in principle to the current 12V Hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system that the company pioneered back in 2016. The more powerful powertrain also boasts of a lightweight design which only adds less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.

Suzuki said that the new and higher-powered hybrid is made up of a “48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio, and air conditioning.

The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm.”

The compact lithium-ion battery, located under the front seats for better weight distribution, “stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Starter Generator.”

Moreover, the new 48V Hybrid system allows the electric motor to go on idle mode and run on electric power alone when the vehicle is on idle or running at city speeds below 16km/h which further adds to its fuel efficiency. Other details on the self-charging 48V hybrid powertrain and its derivatives will be announced ahead of the launching.

The new Suzuki hybrid powertrain will officially be launched come March 2020 together with the new K14D Boosterjet petrol engine.

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