Suzuki’s Brilliant Electric Strategy

Suzuki has unveiled its carbon-neutral mobility plan for the coming years, with a remarkably smart focus.

Suzuki, like all manufacturers, has understood that price alone is no longer enough to attract drivers of combustion engine cars into the electric fold. Today, 100% electric cars are almost in the same price range as their combustion counterparts, with similar features, and all forecasts claim they will soon be cheaper. The shift is being made for the better.

So why do so many motorists still hesitate to make the leap? Of course, it’s due to range. In this respect, electric vehicles are still lagging behind, not to mention the refueling time…

Lighter is even better for Suzuki

Meanwhile, some manufacturers are installing increasingly larger batteries to increase range. And when it comes to charging, it’s much easier to boast about quickly recovering 200 km of range when the battery offers 800. But all of this comes with financial and ecological costs! The weight of cars continues to rise with the size of batteries, flirting with 3 tons. This is total nonsense because the heavier the car, the more energy it needs to be set in motion. It also consumes more consumables such as tires, seals, or bearings. Because of the weight, consumption paradoxically increases alongside range, thus putting more demand on charging networks. In short, it’s not good!

Suzuki has chosen to combat this issue by designing more efficient electric vehicles that are lighter. A clear objective: minimize energy consumption through weight reduction technology. To achieve this, Suzuki will rely on its motto “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi,” which can be translated as “reduce, save, lighten, shorten, and streamline.” Colin Chapman, the brilliant founder of Lotus, summarized this 70 years ago with “Light is Right.” This involves a compact electric powertrain and a small, lightweight battery. Additionally, Suzuki will continue to improve its concept of lightweight and safe bodywork and will also work to minimize energy consumption through weight reduction technology.

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