No electrification for Suzuki Jimny

LONDON: Suzuki Motor has highlighted that drivers are unlikely to see one of their most popular models go electric anytime soon, according to an article by the UK's Daily Express.

The article noted that Toshihiro Suzuki, CEO of Suzuki Motor, said an electric version of the company's Jimny off-roader would not work due to the increased weight of the model.

He explained: "If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny, I think the core strength of the Jimny is the right weight.

"If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel, or biofuel utilising the ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimmy supported in the future."

The article also pointed out that whilst Suzuki no longer sells it in the UK, the Jimny remains a success in many parts of the world due to its low purchase price and strong off-roading ability, helped by its light weight.

However, the company raised concerns that replacing the 1.5 petrol engine with two electric motors and a battery pack would likely increase weight significantly, with the additions often increasing mass by 30%, said the UK's Daily Express article.

Heavier vehicles are typically less responsive, making them harder to maneuvre and control in dangerous situations, particularly when travelling on uneven surfaces off-road, noted the article.