Suzuki Saves With EcoCharge
The Kizashi Ecocharge is a big step forward for Suzuki – it’s marks the first (possibly of many) gas-electric hybrids offered by the Japanese automaker.
Under the hood is a 144 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, matted to a belt-driven 15 kWh (that’s 20 horsepower) electric motor-generator, which helps boost torque to get the car off the line while using less fuel.
According to Suzuki, “Power for the 15 horsepower electric motor is stored in a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery, which when added to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is capable of increasing highway fuel economy of the standard Kizashi by an estimated 25 percent.”
This boost is aided by aerodynamic design improvements, low-rolling resistance tires, more aggressive fuel cut-off, and regenerative braking with automatic engine shut-off while stopped.
A 15 kWh lithium-ion battery helps Kizashi Ecocharge producing about 37 to 38 miles per gallon highway.
Source: WCF & LeftLaneNews
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