It worth reminding readers that Hino has been selling a hybrid truck for 15 years and in 2020 it updated the hybrid system with a lightweight Power Control Unit (PCU) that weighs only 85kgs 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 very low 1000rpm.
“When maximum torque is available at such low rpm, fuel use is minimised,” said Daniel Petrovski, Department Manager – Product Strategy at Hino Australia.
“The automated transmission is a six-speed variant, which is unique as it has the electric drive motor directly coupled to it.”
The six gears and the wide ratio spread enable the engine to spend longer in its most efficient rpm, resulting in maximum driving efficiencies, and the directly coupled electric drive motor results in quicker gearshifts and smoother take-offs.
“The hybrid system continuously seeks to supplement the diesel power delivery with electric power into the driveline,” continued Mr Petrovski.
“It is constantly transitioning between diesel engine drive only; a combination of both electric motor and diesel engine drive; and can also utilise electric drive for certain take-off situations.”
When the hybrid system is delivering drive from both the N04C-WR engine and the electric motor, the power delivery is balanced by the hybrid ECU.
“Charging the hybrid batteries from the regenerative braking system in the 300 Series Hybrid is key to the success of the Hino Hybrid,” said Mr Petrovski.
The charging of the batteries through kinetic energy capture also acts as an effective auxiliary brake and slows the vehicle.
“The auxiliary braking of the Hino Hybrid dramatically increases brake pad life and further reduces whole of life costs of the truck,” continued Mr Petrovski.
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.”
Class-Leading Safety
Like all Hino 300 Series 4×2 models, the Hybrid models features Hino SmartSafe, a comprehensive safety package with advanced driver-assist technology that takes an active focus in protecting the life of drivers, passengers and other road users.
“Hino SmartSafe includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection (PD) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS),” said Mr Petrovski.
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 and easy start.
First With Euro 6 Emissions
The Hino 300 Series Hybrid was the first and remains the only Japanese-manufactured light-duty truck in Australia to meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, which are the next level of ADR exhaust emissions.
“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 Mr Petrovski.
“A variation of this system is also found in our larger Hino 500 Series Standard Cab and 700 Series models, where it has proven its reliability while also reducing engine exhaust emissions.”
