Suzuki Motor Corp. to invest 2 trillion yen in electric vehicle technology

Electrification is coming to Suzuki Motor Corporation as it has announced that it will invest 2 trillion yen to boost production, research, and development activities related to electric vehicles (EV) by fiscal 2030. 

The goal in mind for this investment is to release six EV models in Japan and India by 2030. Furthermore, Suzuki also aims to introduce five more electric vehicles to the European market. 

With the worldwide push for decarbonization, the automaker aims to switch to the offensive in electric vehicles, where it lags behind its competitors. 

Mini-EVs and beyond

Aside from full-size EVs, Suzuki plans to release electric mini-vehicles in Japan in 2023. The new lineup will include a small SUV and passenger mini-electric vehicles. 

The Japanese brand will also develop new hybrid vehicles, combining its current lineup of engines and motors with its future hybrid drivetrains.

An example of this can already be seen in the Suzuki Ertiga hybrid, where the automaker used its K15B engine and an integrated starter generator to make up the hybrid drivetrain of the MPV.

What electric vehicle models can we expect?

What Suzuki has in mind for its exact EV model lineup is still unknown. However, we can make a few guesses by looking at the brand’s production plan as silhouettes of vehicles are available.

A prime candidate to get EV power is the Suzuki Jimny. The brand’s popular small SUV recently got a five-door version, further expanding its variant lineup.

Also read: All-electric Suzuki Jimny confirmed for 2024 debut

While it is still unknown which version of the small SUV will get hybrid or electric power, what is certain is that a mild-hybrid version is already on the way. It will reportedly come with the 1.5-liter hybrid system available in its stablemate, the Suzuki Ertiga. 

The five-door model would make sense as an electric vehicle as more space is available for a battery pack to be installed. 

As for the other models, we don’t know what they are just yet, but we can infer from the images that at least three crossover models and at least two small hatchbacks will get the EV treatment. 
Do you think Suzuki needs to be earlier for the electric vehicle market, or is the automaker right on time?