Hybrid tech: How does it work?

With fuel economy and emissions more relevant than ever before, the rise of hybrids is an affordable way forward for potential new car owners, combining the reliability of an internal combustion engine with the increased efficiency that comes with electric engine assist.

Mild hybrids – such as the Suzuki Swift Hybrid – don’t require plugging in to charge, unlike plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). They use an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) as part of a parallel hybrid system, allowing drivers to reap the benefits without sacrificing on performance. The ISG is powered by a 10Ah lithium-ion battery and is used to reduce the load on the internal combustion engine (ICE). The lithium-ion battery is charged as the car decelerates and brakes, a process known as regenerative braking.

To further reduce emissions and fuel consumption, a hybrid vehicle shuts off the ICE when coasting or stopped, and then uses the ISG to re-start when the driver releases the brake. While cruising, the battery helps power all of the additional electrical systems like safety features, air conditioning, Bluetooth, connected smartphones, plus all the electrical components that help the car to move.

The results are plain to see – already one of New Zealand’s most fuel efficient cars, the Suzuki Swift’s economy of 4.8 L/100 km (GL auto) is improved to 4.1 L/100 km with the hybrid engine.

But what about emissions, you may ask. After all, that’s a big part of any decision to buy an alternative to a full ICE vehicle. Great news on that front – the Suzuki Swift Hybrid has a CO2 emissions rating of just 94 g/100 km.

In fact, the Suzuki range has the lowest average emissions of the top 10 New Zealand manufacturers (based on new vehicle sales 2020).

With climate change now an important world concern, hybrid and electric cars are gaining in prevalence. But the decision to buy such a car will very much depend on your budget, as well as your driving pattern. If you’re in the market for a fuel efficient small car with low emissions, then Swift Hybrid is definitely worth a look.