The Japanese government has approved the use of Suzuki’s SX4-FCV fuel cell vehicle on public roads.

Japan’s ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism gave the approval to allow testing of the SX4-FCV in real-world conditions.

The vehicle is based on Suzuki’s SX4 lifestyle hatchback, which went on sale in South Africa in June. Powered by a high-performance fuel cell sourced from General Motors, hydrogen for the fuel cell is stored in a 70 MPa tank developed by Suzuki, while a lightweight, compact capacitor captures regenerative energy under braking, which is then employed to reduce fuel cell load under acceleration.

With seating for five, the SX4-FCV has a fuel cell output of 80kW and an electric motor output of 68kW. Maximum speed is 150km/h, while the vehicle has an operating range of 250km.

The results of the SX4-FCV road testing programme will be used for the further development of the vehicle, with the ultimate aim of producing a viable fuel cell-based production model.

Suzuki has been engaged in a research and development programme focused on fuel cell vehicles since 2001, in partnership with GM. The SX4-FCV is its fourth compact fuel cell vehicle to be evaluated on Japan’s public roads.