A new hybrid system for light duty trucks has been developed by Hino Motors and is now under testing in Japan.
Hino is part of the Toyota Group and focuses on medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses while also producing Toyota vehicles on commissions such as the Land Cruiser Prado SUV, the Toyoace commercial vehicles, the FJ Cruiser and Dyna trucks.
Its hybrid system includes a clutch between the engine and motor and offers an all-electric drive mode. Internal testing shows that fuel efficiency of a diesel truck using the system improves by 50 per cent. It also includes an improved control system and more efficient power electronics while the volume and weight of the main components are reduced. The engine has also been optimised for improved thermal efficiency with a dedicated transmission that improves efficiency.
Among those taking part in the field test are Ito En Ltd; Sohgo Security Services Company Ltd; Yamato Transport Company Ltd; Japan Post Service Company Ltd; and Sagawa Express Company Ltd.
The company is expected to assess real world reductions in fuel consumption and optimise the system for commercialisation in 2011.
