At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

The Swift Plug-in Hybrid is based on the popular city car and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power to distances of around 20km every day . It is fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery if capacity level drops. Further recharging when parked is by means of a domestic plug socket. The type of petrol engine used for the Hybrid is similar to that fitted to Suzuki’s compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan.

Suzuki’s SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) will also be on display at this year's show. The Sx4 FCV combines a General Motors produced fuel cell with a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a capacitor. According to the Japanese carmaker the capacitor helps to promote driving performance by recovering energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell loading under acceleration. The FCV is currently under test on public roads in Japan.

On two wheels, suzuki will show an evolution of last year's Crosscage fuel cell bike, adapting it to its popular Burgmann scooter. The fuel cell is air cooled and is of a light and compact design with a hydrogen tank capacity of 70MPa, the highest used on a bike so far.

Continuing the fuel cell theme; Suzuki has been producing electric wheelchairs for 35 years and will be showing the MIO – powered by a direct methanol fuel cell instead of a conventional lead – acid battery. The methanol solution is held in a cartridge bottle that can easily be replaced by the user when empty, removing any worries of running out of fuel on the road.

The Tokyo motor show begins on 21st October and will run to 4th November.