The 2001 Suzuki Covie Concept emerged as a collaborative venture between General Motors Corporation and Suzuki, blending Suzuki's compact-car expertise with General Motor's fuel-cell technology. The Covie, presented as an electric car concept, embodied a fusion of Japanese design and American fuel-cell contributions.
The compact two-seater Covie featured a plastic body, sliding doors, and a unique "shelf" in place of a traditional trunk. Notably, the propulsion system relied on fuel cells provided by General Motors, leveraging cutting-edge technology for sustainable mobility. The fuel cells were powered by hydrogen extracted from household gas through a device integrated into the home gas supply system. The by-product of this process was water, making the concept an environmentally friendly option.
Given its diminutive size, less than three meters long, the challenge was to incorporate a fuel cell battery within the compact body. However, instead of housing all the necessary equipment within the car, a novel approach was taken. A home-based power station, resembling a small "cabinet," was designed to produce hydrogen from natural gas—a common fuel source in Japanese homes. This hydrogen then powered the fuel cells, generating an electric current to charge the Covie's batteries. The surplus heat produced during this process could also be utilized for home plumbing water heating.
The Covie's range was optimized for city commuting, offering approximately 50 km on a single charge—well-suited for urban travel. The concept positioned itself as a green and clean solution for navigating the congested streets of large cities, with the innovative home-based charging system providing a unique solution to the challenge of integrating fuel-cell technology into a compact vehicle.
In addition to its eco-friendly features, the Covie boasted an advanced navigation system with a large 12-inch liquid crystal display. This system not only provided route suggestions but also offered warnings about approaching vehicles, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Source: Mikhail Vasiliev. "Tokyo-2001". (MOTOR Magazine 12 2001); "Exhibitions. Tokyo motor show 2001" - Newspaper "AUTOREVIEW," 2001 / No. 21
Images: Suzuki Motor Corporation; JOHN LLOYD Collection
