If the January 2023 global debut of the five-door Suzuki Jimny sport-utility vehicle (SUV) was a pleasant surprise, then prepare for a “shocker” with this new variant.

Our friends at sister publication WapCar Malaysia reported that Suzuki is planning to roll out an electric-vehicle (EV) version of the Jimny by 2024.

According to a presentation by the company, the small SUV will be one of five battery EVs that it will introduce in Europe by next year.

The Jimny is currently offered with two gasoline engines: a turbocharged 660cc, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 producing 64 PS and 105 Nm of torque for the Japanese market and a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 pumping out 100 PS and 130 Nm of torque.

A mild-hybrid version of the 1.5-liter engine, similar to the one used in the recently launched Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, may also be installed in the Jimny.

Fuel made of cow dung

Suzuki is also rolling out more electrified models in Japan and India as part of a massive plan to achieve carbon neutrality.

This includes six battery EVs for Japan in 2023, including market-specific kei cars that receive special government incentives. The company plans to have an 80-20 mix of hybrid and battery EVs, respectively.

Meanwhile, India will also get six battery EVs by 2024, although these will only comprise 15 percent of its model lineup. Hybrids will make up 25 percent, while regular internal-combustion models get the remaining 60 percent share.

Suzuki also said it plans to develop compressed biomethane gas for the Indian market. The carmaker claims the dung of 10 cows in one day can help provide a day’s fuel for a Suzuki.

What do you think of Suzuki’s upcoming electrified lineup?