Mild Hybrid's Role Attracts Suzuki Consumers in the Electrification Era

KatadataOTO – Suzuki's mild hybrid technology, or Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS), has been embedded in a number of vehicle lines such as the Grand Vitara, Ertiga, XL7, and Fronx.

Different from a strong hybrid, SHVS also has the same goal of reducing exhaust emissions.

For example, when the vehicle is stopped, Suzuki's mild hybrid system automatically turns off the engine without cutting off the electricity. This allows for more efficient fuel consumption in stop-and-go conditions.

PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) revealed that its mild hybrid technology serves as a suitable bridge for consumers before moving to more complex electrification lines like Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).

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According to PT SIS's observations, Suzuki consumers tend to need more time to be introduced to electrification.

Therefore, SHVS or mild hybrid is the right solution. Because the system is simple but is claimed to have a significant impact in helping to improve fuel efficiency.

“Then from a price positioning perspective, the simpler the technology, the less volatile the price fluctuations will be,” said Harold Donnel, 4W Marketing Manager of PT SIS, on the sidelines of GIIAS 2025, some time ago.

Indeed, when compared to cars with strong hybrid technology, the price of Suzuki's hybrid vehicles is lower, in the range of Rp 200 million and above.

One of the reasons is the smaller battery capacity. For example, on the Fronx, the power storage source has a capacity of 12V 10Ah or about 0.12 kWh.

The battery also cannot be used as the main power source. Instead, it works in conjunction with other components like the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

The ISG's role is to generate electrical energy for the battery while the engine is running. This energy is then used as extra support to reduce the engine's load when the car accelerates from a standstill.

Thanks to this advantage, Harold revealed that SHVS has proven to be efficient and is one of the reasons consumers choose Suzuki cars.

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“In the top five, there are consumers who directly say they (like) SHVS or associate it with fuel efficiency,” said Harold.

Overall, mild hybrid offers fuel efficiency, reduced exhaust emissions, and optimal performance packaged at a competitive price.

The hope is that this can help Suzuki customers become more confident in switching to electrified vehicles, considering that PT SIS will soon launch its first BEV in Indonesia, the eVitara.