As Hino continues to focus on its range of Hybrid Electric trucks, we got a look at the full range at an exclusive event at Hino Australia’s Head Office in Sydney; further reinforcing the versatility of this unique truck.
We say unique because the Hino Hybrid Electric is the only truck on the Australian market that seamlessly blends diesel and electric power to provide significant savings and reduced exhaust emissions.
Hino has been selling the 300 Series Hybrid Electric for almost 20 years and has the runs on the board to be able to ensure that the system works and gives real-world results. In fact, Hino is so confident of the Hybrid Electric that they are offering a five-year warranty alongside capped-price servicing.
When we were at Hino Australia’s HQ, the variety of Hino Hybrids there was impressive. The lineup on hand included:
- An eight-pallet curtainsider with a five-metre body
- A 4.5-tonne GVM, car-licenced home delivery style refrigerated van
- A Built to Go full-width steel tray with 8.0-tonne GVM
- A Plumber-Spec Tray, which is a modified TradeAce, designed specifically for plumbers with 4.5-tonne GVM
- A prototype Kyokuto factory tipper that Hino is looking to add to its line-up in the next year
- The very impressive 4.5-tonne GVM rental-spec Pantech with tailgate loader
An electric operated council-spec tipper which can be customised to the specific needs of business, councils and Government agencies.
On the road
Driving the Hino Hybrid Electric trucks is simple and comfortable. Being comfortable behind the wheel also means being safe, and the Hinos have very comfortable seats that are multi-adjustable and offer a suspension function in the Wide Cab versions.
The steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach so it’s very easy to find the perfect driving position in the cab.
The steering wheel has buttons for such features as the multi info screen on the dash, the cruise control, audio volume and more. The central 10.1-inch multimedia unit touch screen is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB audio, Bluetooth 5.0 and is equipped to handle up to six cameras.
Everything is close to hand including mirror functions, air conditioning, and the shifter for the six-speed automated transmission.
Vision from the driver’s seat is great with a broad and deep windscreen and excellent side mirrors that don’t vibrate. Side vision is also excellent with the angled waistline give good vision on the front corners of the truck.
Steering is direct and the trucks are confident on the road. They are also highly maneuverable and able to complete a U-turn in most suburban streets.
How it works
As mentioned, the Hino Hybrid Electric truck uses an electric motor and a diesel engine working in parallel.
The hybrid system continually analyses the vehicle operating conditions and status of the hybrid battery to determine the most appropriate time to intelligently switch between the diesel engine, or a combination of the diesel engine and electric motor.
If the hybrid battery has sufficient charge, the electric motor can even be used to move the vehicle from a standstill.
It’s important to note here that the driver doesn’t have to do anything. The truck doesn’t have to be plugged in, and everything is purely automatic. All the driver has to do is drive the vehicle like a normal truck or car.
In fact, many drivers wouldn’t even realise they were in a Hybrid truck if it wasn’t for the badges.
The intelligent Hybrid Electric driveline constantly seeks to substitute the power of the diesel engine with power from the electric motor which results in the fuel savings.
Key to the efficiency of the Hino Hybrid Electric truck is the regenerative braking system, which charges the batteries by harnessing kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration.
This also helps slow the truck and saves on brake wear. In fact, we were told that the Hybrid Electric trucks are not only cheaper to run by around 20 percent, but they are also cheaper to maintain by about 16 percent.
Start-up of the diesel engine is performed by the hybrid electric motor, which eliminates the need for a traditional starter motor, and there is also no need for an alternator.
Once the driver selects drive and presses the accelerator, the electric motor helps move the vehicle from a standstill.
When the clutch is then engaged, the electric motor and diesel engine work in harmony to deliver efficient power to the vehicle’s driveline.
At a constant cruising speed, the Hybrid system switches to diesel engine only as this is its most fuel-efficient state.
When the vehicle comes to a stop with the brake pedal applied, the diesel engine will automatically stop, eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption and resulting in less engine noise. When the brake is released, the engine restarts immediately using the electric motor.
The diesel engine in the Hino Hybrid Electric trucks is Hino’s proven NO4C-WR four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled 4.0-litre diesel. It has outputs of 150hp (110kW) and a hefty 470Nm of torque. This runs through a six-speed automated transmission.
The electric motor is coupled directly to the front of the transmission and is an AC synchronous motor providing up to 35kW of electrical power, delivered from the 6.5kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
Full Safety Features
Of course, all the Hino Hybrid Electric trucks come with Hino’s SmartSafe safety package which means the trucks are among the safest on our roads.
Standard features include driver and passenger air bags, Hino pre-collision system incorporating autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, vehicle stability control, four-wheel disc brakes, lane departure warning system, reverse camera with audio function, seatbelt pretensioners and more.
Summing up
The Hino Hybrid Electric is a great solution for any business and is now able to adapt to any task with the increase in the Built to Go range as well as the bespoke bodies that are available through dealers.
The Hybrid system is well proven with almost 20 years of operation in Australian applications. It has been independently tested to achieve over 20 percent better fuel economy over a regular diesel truck, as well as lower maintenance costs while also being more environmentally friendly.
The Hino Hybrid Electric trucks are available from car-licenced 4.5-tonne up to 8.0-tonne GVMs, further adding to their versatility.
And with Hino’s five-year warranty roadside assist, as well as capped-price servicing, there is peace of mind knowing that Hino has got you covered.
Geoff Middleton is a professional journalist who has been writing for national newspapers, magazines and websites for decades. He specialises in the commercial vehicle and heavy-duty truck area where he has gained a solid reputation as a no-nonsense journalist who tells it like it is.
Geoff has travelled Australia and the world writing about trucks. He has a multi-combination heavy vehicle licence as well as motorcycle and car licences.