Fleet Intouch caught up with Richard Emery, the newly appointed President and CEO of Hino Australia, to discuss Australia’s only Hybrid Electric truck and how local councils and municipalities in Australia are managing the ongoing transition to low and zero emissions vehicles.
“Since I started with Hino two years ago, our focus has been firmly on relaunching and rebranding the 300 Series Hybrid Electric, which has been delivering savings to Hino customers including councils for over 15 years,” said Mr Emery, who began his role as President and CEO in February.
“The momentum of last year’s Hybrid Electric delivery record has continued with even more interest from customers in varied applications, and we are confident that 2024 will be another record year,” he continued.
“Local councils and municipalities were early adopters of the Hybrid Electric – we are now receiving increased interest across all light-duty applications including tippers and trade trucks as councils seek to reduce their carbon emissions,” said Mr Emery.
“With no range or recharging limitations, the Hybrid Electric has particular appeal to Councils,” he continued.
The Hybrid Electric continues to be a popular choice for customers in the freight, logistics and delivery sectors, and is increasing in popularity with customers in the urban delivery, traffic management and trade markets with the Built-to-Go products.
“We are currently purpose-building two Hybrid Electric tilt tray trucks, which will be Official Recovery Vehicles at selected rounds of Repco Supercars Championship as part of our sponsorship,” he continued.
Hino isn’t resting on its laurels with more alternate fuel options expected to be available for its customers in the coming years.
“Looking to the future, we are working with Hino Motors, Ltd. to determine the feasibility of adding a Tipper to our Hybrid Electric Built-to-Go range, which currently includes the Alloy Tray and TradeAce variants.
“Feedback from councils is that a Hybrid Electric Tipper would be well-suited to the urban stop-start nature of the landscaping roles that Councils perform.
“All Hino 300 Series Hybrid Electric models meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, and numerous real-world trials comparing it against a traditional diesel equivalent have revealed an approximate 20% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions.”
“The level of savings are dependent on the application of the vehicle and how it is driven,” said Mr Emery.
Hybrid Electric customers also benefit from a reduction in maintenance costs as the electric motor replaces the diesel engine’s starter motor and alternator, and the regenerative braking reduces the use of service brakes and increases the life of the brakes, all while charging the Hybrid batteries.
“This can reduce yearly maintenance costs by up to 16%,” he continued.
The Hino 300 Series Hybrid Electric is at Hino dealerships nationwide, with more information including a savings calculator available at www.hino.com.au.
