Hino strives to build on hybrid success

Speaking at a press conference in Queensland recently, Richard Emery, Vice President of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia, said Hino's 300 Series Hybrid truck has been in the market for over a decade but, “we’ve probably under-played our hand to a certain extent”.

“Realistically, the numbers or the volumes that we have been achieving are what I’d call a minimum,” he said.

“We think there are significant opportunities [with the Hybrid] and the market could be moving our way, and it could become the truck for today due to a number of different circumstances.”

Consequently, Mr Emery said that Hino is further strengthening its attention on and commitment to its 300 Series Hybrid models.

“While we have been ahead of the curve by offering the Hybrid for the past 15 years, there is more we can do to present it as a legitimate solution,” Mr Emery said.

“Our parent company, the Toyota Group, is considered the world leader in hybrid technology both here and globally, which provides us an advantage in the innovation and implementation of hybrid technology,” continued Mr Emery.

“When we launched the current version of 300 Series Hybrid models, we anticipated that they could reduce a customer’s operational costs by up to 20 per cent, which also directly minimises their impact on the environment with an equal reduction in CO2 emissions.

“Recently, we have undertaken further real-world customer trials involving a 300 Series 616 Hybrid operating in a refrigerated delivery application which resulted in a 22 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the conventional diesel-engine model.

“It also saw an approximate 50 per cent reduction in idling time.

“For this customer, this is a potential saving of up to 5.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions and over $4000 per annum in fuel savings per truck.

“The current market conditions combined with our customers’ strong focus on reducing their CO2 footprint has seen us take record orders from new and existing Hybrid customers such as councils, and fleet customers such as Altus Traffic.

“A 300 Series Hybrid currently has a lower operational CO2 output and environmental impact than a battery-electric truck plugged into the Australian grid.

“It is a perfect solution for customers to immediately reduce their fleet’s CO2 levels – it is the ideal stepping stone for many fleets on the road to net zero emissions and it provides a real window of opportunity for Hino customers, particularly during the next three to five years.

“The 300 Series Hybrid is the only light-duty hybrid electric-diesel truck in Australia – it has no recharging requirements or range limitations, and with over 650 Hino Hybrid trucks already in operation on Australian roads, it has a proven track record of reliability, fuel savings and emissions reduction,” concluded Mr Emery.

Hino Australia’s Department Manager – Product Strategy Daniel Petrovski said the Hybrid models' benefits went further than fuel and emissions savings.

“Hybrid customers also benefit from a reduction in maintenance costs as the electric motor replaces the diesel engine’s starter motor and alternator, while regenerative braking saves brake pads,” he said.

Hybrid models are available across the Hino 300 Series range from the 616 Standard and Wide Cab car-licence models through to the 716 Wide Cab and the 916 Wide Cab, which has a maximum Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 8.5 tonnes.

Applications for the Hybrids are varied and range from dry van and refrigerated delivery trucks through to city and regional council vocational applications, such as rear loader waste, parks and garden services, and tippers.

“In 2020, we launched an updated Hybrid featuring a series of changes to the hybrid system aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions,” continued Mr Petrovski.

The Hybrid uses a parallel electric diesel design and a Toyota Group nickel metal hydride battery, which has been used in over 15 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

Updated in 2020, the hybrid system uses a lightweight Power Control Unit (PCU) that weighs only 85kg and encompasses the battery, inverter, Engine Control Unit (ECU) and DC-DC Converter.

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 1000rpm.

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“The automated transmission is a six-speed variant, which is unique as it has the electric drive motor directly coupled to it,” said Mr Petrovski.

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

The electricity which is transferred into and stored in the battery is then used on the next take off and/or acceleration.

“A major advantage of the Hybrid is that customers can improve their fuel efficiency immediately and it only requires diesel fuel, so there are no special refuelling or operating restrictions – operation is the same as a conventional diesel truck, only with reduced operating costs.”

The Hybrid also features Hino SmartSafe, a comprehensive safety package with advanced driver-assist technology that takes an active focus in protecting drivers, passengers and other road users.