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As part of Suzuki's 'Small cars for a big future' theme at Tokyo the company will show a selection of its prototype fuel cell vehicles. There is an experimental SX4, a scooter and an electric wheelchair.
The SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) uses a General Motors 'high performance' fuel cell. Hydrogen is stored in a Suzuki-developed, high pressure tank. The drive system also includes a capacitor that is used to store energy from braking to reduce the load on the fuel cell when accelerating. The SX4 FCV is currently undergoing tests on the roads of Japan.
In 2007 Suzuki showed the Crosscage fuel cell motorcycle. For 2009 the technology has been adapted to fit a Suzuki Burgman scooter. It uses a compact, air-cooled fuel cell with the largest hydrogen tank so far used on a bike.
Finally, Suzuki has 35 years experience of building electric wheelchairs and this year will exhibit the MIO. Instead of lead-acid batteries it uses a direct methanol fuel cell. The methanol solution is held in a cartridge bottle, which is designed to be easily replaced by the user. The MIO has been undergoing trials since November last year in order to refine it ready for sale.
Suzuki has shown that fuel cells can be installed in a variety of vehicles - it shows how versatile the technology is. We will get a closer look when the Tokyo Motor Show opens on 21st October.
John Lambert - 14 Oct 2009
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