Suzuki hasn't released an electric car yet, something many Japanese car manufacturers are behind on. To help it prepare and avoid any fines from the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the company is going to be pulling the plug on some of its most popular models, including the Swift Sport, Ignis, Swace and the Jimny LCV. The news that the Swift Sport will be dropped pretty much confirms that the latest generation of the Swift won't see a Sport variant. The aformentioned models will continue to be available until early 2025, unless the current supply is sold faster than Suzuki has expected it to.
"The departure of these models will make room for EV and enable us to compete during a period where our sales ratio of hybrid versus EV products will drive our business. We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUV’s and new Swift, then starting in the second half of 2025 we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
Dale Wyatt - Suzuki UK Managing Director
As mentioned, Suzuki doesn't have any electric cars on sale in 2024, with only mild hybrids on offer. The company will need to step up fast as the ZEV mandate has increasing targets as each year goes on. For example, car companies in 2024, 24% of cars sold have to be zero-emission, which only means EV as all other forms haven't got anywhere. That rises each year up until 2030, with 80% and then currently, by 2035 all petrol and diesel cars will be banned. Although with an election looming, that could change.
Suzuki does have one EV planned, with the eVX a concept it revealed in 2023. That is supposed to have a 60kWh battery and 310 miles of range. Suzukiu also has five EVs due to launch in Europe by 2030, including an EV Jimny.
