KATHMANDU: Suzuki Motor Corporation has showcased a hydrogen-powered version of the Suzuki Swift at the 2026 Vienna Motor Symposium. The new prototype was developed in partnership with mobility technology company AVL.
Unlike conventional hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, the new Swift uses hydrogen directly as a combustion fuel. The system is based on a 1.4-liter four-cylinder hydrogen engine using what the company calls “Hydrogen DI Technology.”
According to AVL, the engine can operate in both lean combustion mode and Lambda=1 stoichiometric combustion mode with the help of a cooled EGR system.
The stoichiometric combustion setup delivers higher performance. The prototype produces around 100 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque. This is said to be around 10 kW and 20 Nm higher than the lean combustion setup.
The companies claim the technology offers high power density, stable operation and scalable hydrogen combustion solutions for future production models.
The Suzuki Swift has previously been offered globally with petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and CNG powertrains depending on the market.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles are gradually gaining attention as countries look for cleaner mobility solutions. In India, the government is promoting alternative fuels and low-emission technologies alongside EVs and hybrids.
A hydrogen fueling station has already been established at Cochin International Airport in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to support hydrogen-powered transport inside the airport premises.
Industry experts believe continued research and investment in hydrogen technology could play an important role in the future automotive sector.
