Isuzu Introduces New Elf Diesel Hybrid Truck for Japanese Market

3 May 2005

Isuzu Motors Limited has added a new diesel parallel hybrid model to its lineup of Elf low-pollution light-duty trucks.  The new model will appear in the general market in mid-June 2005, although Isuzu has already begun sales to select fleets. The company has a sales goal of 600 diesel hybrids per year.

The Elf Diesel hybrid truck employs Isuzu’s original hybrid system, which was optimized for light-duty trucks. Based on the 4.8-liter, 95 kW (127 hp) 4HL1 diesel engine, the hybrid powertrain with a 25.5 kW electric motor delivers a 35% improvement in fuel economy in Japan’s M15 mode, and an improvement of 10%–20% in city driving. CO₂ emissions drop by 25% in M15 mode.

With an 85% reduction in PM emissions below the 2003 new short-term exhaust emission regulation, the new Elf diesel is certified as an ultra-low PM emission diesel vehicle (85% PM reduction). The hybrid cuts NO_x by 25% or more below emissions from a conventional 4HL1 diesel.

The Isuzu hybrid system offers regenerative braking and stop-start functionality. Isuzu is using a 346V Lithium-ion battery—the first domestic use of Li-ion on a Japanese truck.