At the Technology Day 2025 in Japan, Suzuki has laid out a multi-pathway roadmap blending hybrids, biofuels, lean-battery EVs, and circular economy initiatives.
09 Sep 2025 | 6995 Views | By Ketan Thakkar
Suzuki Motor Corporation has begun work on its next-generation 48V ‘Super Ene-Charge’ (SEC) hybrid system as a key part of its global carbon-neutral strategy for the coming decade. The company announced a series of initiatives like Lightweight and Safe Vehicle Bodies, Efficient ICE and CNF Technologies, Battery-Lean BEV/HEV tech, Software ...
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Suzuki Motor Corporation has begun work on its next-generation 48V ‘Super Ene-Charge’ (SEC) hybrid system as a key part of its global carbon-neutral strategy for the coming decade. The company announced a series of initiatives like Lightweight and Safe Vehicle Bodies, Efficient ICE and CNF Technologies, Battery-Lean BEV/HEV tech, Software Defined vehicle (SDV) and also a Suzuki Smart factory project that will become the core pillars of cleaner mobility footprint at the Suzuki Technology Day 2025 in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Developed specifically for lightweight and affordable vehicles — Suzuki’s traditional stronghold — the SEC system has completed feasibility trials and is now moving into advanced development.
Positioned as a bridge between conventional internal combustion engines and full electric setups, the Suzuki SEC hybrid aims to provide significant fuel efficiency improvements without the weight and price penalties of large-battery hybrids. Suzuki’s roadmap envisions a gradual transition from strong hybrids toward plug-in hybrids for larger vehicles, while SEC-equipped models will anchor its offering in the small and affordable car segment. Suzuki says the system will deliver a “just right” balance of efficiency, cost, and usability. Alongside this announcement, Suzuki shared progress across its five technology pillars guided by the Japanese philosophy of Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi — meaning smaller, fewer, lighter, shorter, and beauty.
The company’s lightweight and safe body program, known as the “S Light project,” has already achieved weight reductions of up to 80 kilograms, with a target of 100 kilograms through component miniaturisation and structural redesigns.
In the field of high-efficiency engines and carbon-neutral fuels, India is leading with E20-compatible engines across the lineup, flex-fuel motorcycles already in mass production, and flex-fuel cars set to launch within this fiscal year.
Suzuki’s lean-battery electrification strategy was also highlighted, with the global debut of the eVitara SUV and India’s e-Access scooter serving as examples of its “just-right” approach to electrification — compact batteries, practical ranges, and affordable pricing.
On the digital front, Suzuki is developing smart vehicle electronics that balance technology and usability, including connected displays, OTA-ready architecture, AI-driven voice control, and Suzuki Connect solutions tailored to regional markets. Progress has also been made in circular economy initiatives with greater use of recycled plastics, disassembly-friendly designs, and material recovery schemes.
A sixth technology pillar was also revealed, focusing on carbon-negative solutions. Suzuki is experimenting with technologies that capture CO₂ directly from exhaust gases, with the intention of reusing it in agriculture.
India remains central to Suzuki’s future strategy.
As reported earlier, Suzuki’s biogas project seeks to convert manure from India’s 300 million cattle into compressed biogas and organic fertilizer. With one in three Maruti Suzuki vehicles already running on CNG, the project is expected to significantly reduce emissions while boosting rural incomes by purchasing cow dung from cooperatives. The first CBG plants are set to begin operations this year, marking a major milestone in Suzuki’s clean energy journey.
By combining Super Ene-Charge hybrids, biofuel-ready engines, lean-battery EVs, and circular practices, Suzuki is pursuing a multi-pathway approach to clean mobility. Unlike rivals that rely on a single technology, Suzuki is deliberately spreading its bets across scalable and affordable solutions tailored for mass adoption. Under its corporate slogan By Your Side, the company underscored its vision of mobility that remains closely connected with people’s lives, with India serving as both a testbed and a hub for global growth.