300 Hybrid a game changer for Hino

Offering up to 20 per cent in fuel savings and emissions reductions, Hino’s new 300 Series Hybrid Electric light-duty truck range is set to change the game for small business and fleet operators.

Pairing a diesel engine and an electric motor, and utilising Toyota’s renowned hybrid system, the self-charging setup works in parallel between the two power units to create efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs (by up to 16 per cent).

It does this through a range of features that includes, for example, the kinetic energy from the moving vehicle being converted to useable power by the hybrid motor during deceleration.

That’s stored in the batteries where it remains until the intelligent hybrid driveline determines a requirement for use during acceleration. Start-up of the diesel engine is performed by the hybrid electric motor, eliminating the need for a starter motor.

The hybrid system continually analyses the vehicle operating conditions and the status of the hybrid battery, and can intelligently switch between the diesel engine alone, or a combination of the diesel engine and the electric motor.

When cruising, the hybrid system switches to diesel engine only as this is its most fuel-efficient state. During deceleration, the hybrid electric motor switches to generator mode, acting as an auxiliary brake.

When the vehicle comes to a stop with the brake pedal applied, the diesel engine will automatically stop, eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption. When the brake is released, the engine restarts.

The Hino 300 Series Hybrid Electric powertrain includes an N04C 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, with the hybrid driveline delivering a combined 150hp (112kW) of power and 470Nm of torque from a very low 1200rpm.

Meeting Euro 6 emissions standards through an exhaust gas after-treatment unit which contains a diesel particulate reduction system and selective catalytic reduction controls.

The six-speed automated transmission is coupled directly to the electric motor, which assists with quicker and smoother gear shifts too.

Available in three different configurations, the range opens with the 300 Series Hybrid Electric, which includes the 616 Standard and Wide Cab 4.5-tonne GVM car-licenced models.

This option spans through to the 716 Wide Cab with a 6.5-tonne GVM and the 916 Wide Cab, which has a maximum GVM of 8.5-tonne. A Built to Go TradeAce model features a factory-fitted alloy tray, complete with ladder racks and a bulbar.

All variants in this range can be setup as a 4.5-tonne car licence offering, an uprated 616 (5.5-tonne) and a 716 (6.5-tonne). Joining the duo is an Alloy Tray model.

Featuring the same body as the TradeAce but sold without the accessories, it shares its payload with that model. Regardless of which variant you choose, the Hino 300 Series comes with the truck maker’s SmartSafe safety suite.

This includes a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning. You’ll also find vehicle stability control, a reversing camera and daytime running lights. It’s backed by a 5-year warranty and 5-years roadside assistance.

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