JMS 2023: Hydrogen, electric and pedal-assist, Suzuki takes multiple approaches in achieving carbon-neutrality
Gilbert Chao · Nov 2, 2023 08:30 AM
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Suzuki showcases its extensive line-up of vehicles in the Japan Mobility Show at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo Waterfront City, Japan, from October 26 to November 5, 2023.
The manufacturer highlights its diverse initiatives toward a carbon-neutral future. Among those on display are some familiar-looking concepts and test models that can be expected to be introduced in the global market in the coming years.
These two-wheelers are also base models for research in developing future Suzuki motorcycle technologies.
An electric motor version of the Burgman Street EX, the Suzuki Burgman e-Scooter started as a demonstration project from April 2023. It utilizes the exchangeable battery-sharing service provided by Gachaco.
The Suzuki e-Burgman's swappable battery. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
This is similar to Ayala Group’s Gogoro battery swapping system and KYMCO’s Ionex.
This demonstration project in Japan is currently collecting data on Burgman e-scooter units used as daily transportation and making use of the results for future development of electric motorcycles.
PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Gachaco is a collaboration between the so-called big 4 (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) and Eneos, Japan’s leading lubes company.
Suzuki Hydrogen Engine Burgman
Imagine a Suzuki Burgman run by hydrogen. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Suzuki is conducting research and development of hydrogen engines as one of its multi-pathway initiatives for realizing carbon neutrality. This unit is a cutaway of the test model based on commercially available BURGMAN 400 ABS fitted with a 70MPa hydrogen tank and engine.
The Suzuki Burgman HySE is a proof of concept that scooters car run with hydrogen as fuel. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
This also highlights Suzuki’s initiatives for hydrogen-powered engines.
Suzuki e-PO
A motor-assisted folding bike? That's the Suzuki e-PO. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Suzuki introduced the Suzuki e-PO, a foldable electric moped co-developed with Panasonic Cycle Technology utilizing battery and powertrain units of e-bikes.
A compact Li-On battery powers the motor that assist your pedal stroke. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
It has a stronger assist function than ordinary e-bikes and is able to keep up with normal pace on public roads. The bike has three ride modes: fully electric, assisted, and pedal.
The battery can also be a portable powerbank. Well, why not? PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Suzuki e-Choinori
Should Suzuki Philippines make the e-Choinori available in to us? PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
The Suzuki e-Choinori is an electric scooter equivalent of the popular 50cc “surplus” scooter Choinori, which was introduced by Suzuki in 2023. It even retained the look of its gasoline-powered sibling.
PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Like the e-PO, the e-Choinori utilizes the battery and powertrain units of Panasonic Cycle Technology e-bikes. Similarly, it is intended as a mobility option for a wide range of users, with its simple and lightweight body and battery.
Which one of these models do you see yourself riding in the near future?
A moto-journo who spends most of his time on the saddle unless otherwise saddled with desk work. His curious nature and poor sense of direction often take him on unplanned adventures.
