We constanly hear all the talk about the rising gas prices, importance of fuel economy,innovations of Hybrid Cars and how they are sweeping the whole world. Honda and Toyota can not build them fast enough to meet the rising demand for hybrids. One of our customers recently inquired if there are any hybrid trucks made in Japan. And my answer was Yes.
Hino Motors, the heavy-truck division of Toyota, already offers the Hino 165 Hybrid in Japan since 2003. Hino 165 Hybrid is powered by a diesel/electric hybrid system. However, this truck currently sells for more than $100,000, so not affordable by many people. The fuel saving is a solid 14 to 27% over the conventional models like the Isuzu and other competing trucks.
Canter Eco Hybrid from Mitsubishi Fuso is another energy-efficient medium-duty truck in the world. With its diesel-electric drivetrain, the Canter offers the best of both worlds: a Li-ion-powered electric motor that kicks into action during stop-and-go driving (ideal for city-bound, delivery-type trucks like this), and a high-efficiency, cleaner-burning diesel engine for highway cruising. The result is a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over similar trucks, and the first commercial truck to meet Japan’s new long-term emissions regulations, which came into effect August 2007.
Because of the relative efficiency of modern (bio) diesel engines compared with petrol engines, diesel hybrids are becoming a popular, if still more costly twist on typical hybrid cars.
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