Hino Hybrid gets safety upgrade and Euro 6

The new 2020 Hino 300 Series Hybrid is Australia’s only light-duty hybrid diesel-electric truck, and it’s now the first Japanese-manufactured light-duty truck in Australia to meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions.

In the latest update, the Hybrid copped a series of changes to the hybrid system aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

“The updated Hino Hybrid delivers an even cleaner, more efficient transport solution for customers,” said Daniel Petrovski, Manager of Product Strategy for Hino Australia.

Hybrid models are available in four variants from the 616 Standard and Wide Cab car-licenced models through to the 716 Wide Cab and the 916 Wide Cab, which has a maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 8.5 tonnes.

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“The extensive model line-up is a direct reflection of our customers’ changing needs – our Australian customers are increasingly demanding more environmentally friendly options, and the Hino 300 Series Hybrid is an excellent solution that reduces fuel consumption and their carbon footprint,” said Petrovski

“Euro 6 emissions standards are achieved by using a combination of the well-proven and reliable Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Hino Diesel Particulate Active Reduction Filter (DPR) system, combined with the Hino Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system,” said Petrovski.

“This combination of established exhaust emissions solutions is already found in our larger Hino 500 Series Standard Cab models, where it has proven its reliability while also reducing engine exhaust emissions.”

The new Hino 300 Series Hybrid includes an updated hybrid system, with changes to hardware and operational software that are aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

The battery itself has been reduced in size but retains its 6.5 amp hour (AH) rating.

The power control unit (PCU), which encompasses the battery, inverter, engine control unit (ECU) and DC-DC Converter, has been redesigned for lighter weight and smaller packaging, resulting in a PCU weight of 85kg, down from 113kg.

The Hino Hybrid retains its parallel electric diesel design and continues to use the Toyota Group-sourced nickel metal hydride battery, which has been used in over 15 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

The engine and transmission have been improved with the aim of further fuel consumption reductions.

The Hino N04C-WR four cylinder common-rail injected turbo-diesel engine produces 150hp (110kW) and 470Nm of torque which is delivered in combination with the electric motor from a low 1000 revs.

“When maximum torque is available at such low rpm, fuel use is minimised,” said Petrovski.

“The revised automated transmission is now a six-speed instead of the five-speed in the previous model and is coupled directly to the electric motor.”

The additional gear and the wider ratio spread enable the engine to spend longer in its most efficient rev range, resulting in maximum driving efficiencies.

“The hybrid system continuously seeks to supplement the diesel power delivery with electric power into the driveline.

“It is constantly switching between diesel engine drive only; a combination of both electric motor and diesel engine drive; and can also utilise electric drive only in certain situations,” added Petrovski.

At the launch of the new 300 Series, Mr Petrovski said that Hino Hybrid light-duty trucks have been assisting customers to reduce their carbon footprint in Australia since 2007, and although the company was currently selling only around 50 units per year, there were now more than 600 Hino Hybrids in operation around the country.

“Applications are varied and include dry van and refrigerated delivery applications, many of which are in high duty cycle applications operating in city and metro areas on a two driver rotating shift.

“There are also Hino Hybrids operating in many city and regional council applications such as rear loader waste, parks and gardens service, and tippers." he said.

“A major advantage of the Hybrid Electric Diesel truck is that customers can improve their fuel efficiency immediately.

“It only requires diesel fuel, so there are no special refuelling or operating restrictions - operation is basically the same as a conventional diesel truck, only with reduced operating costs.

“In both independent and Hino local testing of the previous model, the Hino 300 Series Hybrid has proven fuel efficiency improvements of 21 per cent when compared to its diesel counterpart.

“This equates to a direct greenhouse gas reduction of 21 per cent in favour of the Hybrid, and importantly means a 21 per cent reduction in the fuel cost to operate the vehicle,” said Petrovski.

Like all the new Hino 300 Series vehicles, the Hybrid models feature Hino SmartSafe, Hino’s safety package with advanced driver-assist technology.

“Hino SmartSafe includes a pre-collision system (PCS) with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian detection (PD) and lane departure warning system (LDWS),” said Petrovski.

This is in addition to the vehicle’s already existing safety package that includes vehicle stability control, dual airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, UN ECE R-29 cab strength and easy start.

The new Hybrid models are also equipped with a reverse camera which offers wide view, high-definition vision, along with infrared night vision on the 6.5-inch multimedia unit.