Hino EVs to shine at Japan Mobility Show

Hino Motors Ltd will displaying examples of its light-duty Dutro Z-EV and heavy-duty Profia Z-FCV at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, to be held from October 26 to November 5.

Hino Australia’s Department Manager – Product Strategy, Daniel Petrovski, said the showcase will represent “an exciting combination of the present and the future”.

The battery-electric Dutro Z-EV would fall under the light-duty 300 Series banner here in Australia.

“The Dutro Z-EV has been in production in Japan for over a year, and customer demand in Japan has been stronger than expected,” said Mr Petrovski.

“The design is particularly clever, with a compact 50kW electric motor mounted under the cab driving the front wheels.

“A low-profile lithium-ion battery is located under the vehicle and sits between and along the sides of the chassis rails, allowing for an ultra-low floor and cargo area.

“The ultra-low floor makes it easier for operators to move around the vehicle to load and unload cargo and, importantly, to get in and out of the vehicle.”

Two versions of the Dutro Z-EV will feature on the Hino stand: a walkthrough van and a traditional cab chassis with an aluminium van body. Hino also offers the model as a light truck cab/chassis, to which customers can fit the body of their choice.

“The Dutro Z-EV is a Hino-designed and developed battery-electric truck with an estimated cruising range of 150km and a payload of approximately 1000kg – it fulfills customers’ requirements for a zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle for last mile deliveries,” said Mr Petrovski.

“Hino Australia is currently in discussions with Hino Motors, Ltd. regarding the future introduction of the Dutro Z-EV, but the Hino Hybrid Electric remains the most suitable low-emissions solution for applications in the Australian market,” he added.

At the other end of the weight spectrum, the Hino Profia Z-FCV to be shown in Tokyo is a prototype heavy-duty vehicle with hydrogen fuel cell power.

Developed in collaboration with Hino’s parent company, Toyota, and utilising a Toyota Fuel Cell system, the truck is said to deliver a range in excess of 600km, making it well suited to highway transport in Japan.

The Japan Mobility Show will also give Hino the opportunity to highlight the importance of partnerships as we transition to a sustainable transport network, as companies seek to improve their productivity while reducing their carbon footprint.

“CUBE-LINX consults with and provides guidance to Hino customers on the successful introduction of zero-emissions commercial EVs and ancillary equipment, including the installation and management of peripheral charger equipment,” said Mr Petrovski.

“NEXT Logistics Japan aims to solve logistical issues with an open framework of shipping, logistics, information, and finance with a shared goal of transporting more cargo with fewer drivers and trucks.

“The Hino stand will display innovative mobility solutions that are available today and it will continue our long history of leadership in the delivery of sustainable transport solutions both globally and in Australia,” concluded Mr Petrovski.