Zero-emissions Jimny 4x4 off-roader just one of five Suzuki EVs that could come to Australia
A shadowy image of the incoming all-electric Suzuki Jimny has been shown during a media presentation detailing the Japanese car-maker’s electrification strategy.
Announcing that it will invest $US15 billion ($A21b) between now and 2030, Suzuki declared it will develop five battery-electric vehicles for Europe, six for Japan and six for India, with some EVs to be shared across all markets.
Among the silhouettes of nine EVs Suzuki plans to introduce by 2030, there is the unmistakable shape of the Jimny, which looks like it will keep the combustion-engined model’s blocky looks but gain a five-tooth illuminated grille and four-element X-shaped daytime running lights.
Also easily identified among the line-up is a production version of the Suzuki eVX concept, plus three small cars that look like they might have been developed under kei-car regulations for Japan.
No information has been released on the new Jimny EV, but the safe money is it will share only its looks with the ICE version and be built on its own platform.
A specially developed ladder-frame architecture may be needed to safely package the batteries in a manner that does not compromise the baby 4×4’s off-road prowess.
As well as the all-electric version, Suzuki plans to offer a mild-hybrid powertrain, at least for the European market.
Other models that look to be pictured in the teaser image include battery-powered versions of the next-generation Suzuki Vitara, a replacement for the Ignis crossover and the Suzuki Fronx small SUV that’s heading Down Under this year.
As well as teasing its zero-emissions line-up, Suzuki confirmed that its first all-electric car to go on sale in Europe would arrive in 2024.
The production version of the eVX is due in 2025, while Suzuki also said it expects EVs to account for 80 per cent of its line-up by 2030, with the remaining 20 per cent using a hybrid powertrain.
Come 2050, Suzuki wants its operations in Japan and Europe to be carbon-neutral, something it doesn’t expect to achieve in India until 2070.
Interestingly, those declarations are not only for Suzuki’s car-making division, but for its motorcycle and marine business too, with the Japanese brand already announcing it will launch eight battery-powered motorcycles by 2030.
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales’ Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: Electric Suzuki Jimny teased