Hino Australia is launching a range of Hybrid Electric Built to Go products, which will be available from its dealerships from July 2023.
“Rising fuel prices and an increased focus from customers wanting to minimise their environmental impact has seen sales of Australia’s only Hybrid Electric light-duty truck soar,” said Daniel Petrovski, department manager – product strategy for Hino Australia.
“The introduction of the new Alloy Tray and TradeAce Built to Go models to our Hybrid Electric range offers customers a high quality, cost effective and versatile drive-away solution that can reduce business operating costs from day one.
“Not only do our Hybrid Electric models meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, but recent real-world trials comparing the proven Hino Hybrid Electric truck against a traditional diesel equivalent revealed a 22 per cent reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions,” he added.
According to Hino Australia, Hybrid Electric customers also benefit from a reduction in maintenance costs as the electric motor replaces the diesel engine’s starter motor and alternator, and the regenerative braking reduces the use of service brakes and increases the life of the brakes, all while charging the Hybrid batteries.
“Hino 300 Series Hybrid customers can reduce yearly maintenance costs by up to 16 per cent,” said Petrovski.
The 300 Series Hybrid Electric Built to Go range includes the 616 Standard and Wide Cab 4.5 tonne GVM car-licenced models through to the 716 Wide Cab with a 6.5 tonne GVM.
The Hybrid system uses a lightweight Power Control Unit (PCU) that 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, with maximum torque available at a very low 1200rpm.
Because maximum torque is available at such low rpm, fuel use is minimised.
The six-speed automated transmission with the electric drive motor directly coupled to it results in quicker gear shifts and smoother take-offs.
“The new Hybrid Electric Built to Go models will be of particular appeal to tradespeople and small business operators who are seeking a versatile drive-away solution that can reduce operating costs from day one,” continued Petrovski.
Like all Hybrid Electric models, the new Built to Go models will feature Hino SmartSafe, a 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). This is in addition to Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), reverse camera, dual SRS airbags, four-wheel disc brakes UN ECE R-29 cab strength certified cab and hill start assist (easy start).
There are currently around 700 Hybrid Electric trucks on Australian roads.
The Hino 300 Series Hybrid Electric light-duty range is driven by Toyota Group technology that has been used in millions of hybrid vehicles worldwide.