Hino 165s: Diesel-Hybrids to the US

15 November 2004

Hino is bringing to the US two units of the new medium-duty Class 4 (16,000-lb Gross Vehicle Weight) diesel-hybrid truck it unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show (earlier post). Based on a conventional medium-duty model (the 165) built for the North American market, the new Hino 165 Hybrids will be used to demonstrate the proprietary Hino hybrid system (Hybrid Inverter-controlled Motor & Retarder—HIMR) and could eventually be assigned to long-term field tests with a package delivery fleet.

The Hino mild hybrid system for the model 165 combines the standard 165 inline 4-cylinder, 5-liter diesel (132 kW / 177 hp) used in the model with a 23 kW (31 hp) electric motor/generator and an NiMH battery pack. The system features regenerative braking to recharge the battery and stop-start functionality. The electric motor assists the engine whenever high torque is needed, such as during startup and acceleration. All power during regular cruising is supplied by the engine. Eaton supplies the 6-speed automated transmission.

The 165 Hybrid system improved fuel economy in testing by 14–27% with the largest gains coming in pickup and delivery operations, according to Kenichi Kobayashi, asst. chief engineer for Hino’s North American Truck Product Planning Div. (Fleetowner.)

Earlier this year, Hino introduced a Japanese market version of a comparable 4-ton medium-duty hybrid, the hybrid Ranger. This cab-over version (driver cab sits atop the engine, rather than to the rear) uses a slightly smaller diesel, and a sealed nickel-hydrogen battery rather than the NiMH in the US-bound 165.

Testing by Hino on the Ranger hybrid produced:

• Reductions of more than 50% reduction of NO_x and more than 85% of PM compared to the values stipulated in the Japanese 2003 New Short-Term Emission Regulations.

• An approximate 17% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

• An approximate 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to present diesel models.