Rẻ hơn, bảo dưỡng đơn giản, cần thay pin cũng chỉ tương đương 1/3 giá pin ‘full’ hybrid
Mild hybrid cars (also known as MHEV – mild hybrid electric vehicles) use a combination of gasoline and electric motors. However, the electric motor in MHEV only plays a supporting role to the internal combustion engine and cannot operate independently like a “full” hybrid.
Suzuki’s mild hybrid cars are called Smart Hybrid Vehicles by Suzuki (SHVS). This technology is applied to several popular models in the Southeast Asian market such as Ertiga, Grand Vitara, and recently, XL7.
The Ertiga is currently the only Suzuki model available in Vietnam. Both the Ertiga and the upcoming XL7 share the same 1.5L gasoline engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. However, the Ertiga offers better acceleration thanks to the combined power from the electric motor.
On the other hand, other car manufacturers typically equip their hybrid models with “full” hybrids, where the electric motor can operate independently when needed.
Explaining this, Joshi Prasetya, the Director of Strategic Planning at PT Suzuki IndoMobil Sales (SIS), said the company pursues mild hybrid technology to create affordable models with low maintenance costs. In essence, they aim to produce practical, hassle-free cars at reasonable prices.
According to Prasetya, Suzuki is always looking for ways to improve its products, such as utilizing a new chassis that reduces vehicle weight by up to 15% while ensuring safety and rigidity. This reduction in weight also helps reduce fuel consumption.
To further enhance efficiency, Suzuki also considers electrification. However, instead of “full” hybrids or pure electric vehicles, the company has chosen the mild hybrid technology, also known as SHVS.
Suzuki opted for mild hybrid technology primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. Photo: Suzuki dealership
“Why did Suzuki use mild hybrids despite the availability of many full hybrids? Because Suzuki believes that the cost of batteries is still not economical enough. The larger the battery, the more expensive it is. Battery maintenance is also more complex. Disposal of battery waste is not yet clear. Suzuki always cares about the environment,” explained Joshi Prasetya.
“Therefore, for Suzuki, mild hybrid is the way to go to embrace the era of electrification,” he concluded.
Furthermore, Joshi Prasetya revealed that Suzuki will continue to consider equipping other models with hybrid engines.
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