Mitsubishi-Fuso Launches New Diesel-Electric Hybrid Truck

5 July 2006

Canter Eco Hybrid

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC), 85% owned by DaimlerChrysler and a member of DaimlerChrysler’s Truck Group, launched its new Canter Eco Hybrid parallel diesel-electric truck into the Japanese market today. (Earlier post.)

The Canter Eco Hybrid system combines a 3.0-liter, four-cylinder inline diesel engine; an ultra-slim 35 kW electric motor/generator installed between an automatic clutch (for disengaging the engine from the driveline) a high-efficiency automated mechanical transmission; and a 1.9kWh Li-ion battery pack consisting of 96 cells connected in series.

The 3.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve intercooled turbo-diesel engine generates 92kW (123 hp) at 3200 rpm and 294 Nm (217 lb-ft) of torque at 1,700 rpm. It incorporates a new diesel particulate filter for trapping PM and a high precision, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for reducing NO_x.

The vehicle can operate in all-electric mode, and has an Idling Stop & Start (ISS) system that automatically turns off the engine when the transmission is shifted to N, saving fuel and reducing emissions. ISS can be turned on or off according to user preference.

The electric motor is used to drive the vehicle when starting off. During hard acceleration, both the diesel engine and electric motor/generator power the vehicle. When cruising, the vehicle is driven by the diesel engine only, like a conventional vehicle. When slowing down or braking, the electric motor/generator functions as a generator to brake the vehicle and use regenerative braking to recharge the Li-ion battery pack.

The Canter Eco Hybrid features a 41% reduction in NO_x and 46% decrease in particulate matter (PM) versus conventionally-powered models. The vehicle already meets Japan’s new long-term emissions regulations, due to come into effect August 2007—the first commercial truck to do so.

The hybrid diesel-electric drive installed in the vehicle delivers an up-to-20% increase in fuel efficiency over conventionally-powered models. The fuel savings are especially significant during stop-and-go, delivery driving.

The vehicle was introduced today at ceremonies in Tokyo attended by DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, Head of the DaimlerChrysler Truck Group Andreas Renschler, MFTBC President & CEO Harald Boelstler, MFTBC Chairman Keisuke Egashira, customers, press and guests.

The Canter Eco Hybrid marks a milestone for the global truck industry. Customers and the environment will both benefit from this technological advance. Our Asia truck pillar Fuso is delivering a vehicle that advances environmental sustainability and customer value, and further positions DaimlerChrysler as a world leader in commercial truck technology.

—DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche

The new Canter Eco Hybrid joins another Mitsubishi Fuso hybrid vehicle already in commercial production: the Aero Nonstep HEV bus, launched in 2004, a 68-passenger city bus with hybrid drive. The bus is now in operation by customers in Shizuoka, Aichi and Gifu, Japan.

Fuso is now beginning customer deliveries of the Canter Eco Hybrid in Japan. Mitsubishi Fuso expects to sell several hundred Canter Eco Hybrids by the end of 2006, with the number increasing in the coming years. The new Canter Eco Hybrid—weighing 2,830- 2,870 kilograms with a payload capacity from 2,000-3,000 kg—is specified for numerous applications in city delivery, refuse pickup and other industries.

Fuso is first launching the Canter Eco Hybrid in Japan, while evaluating the product for international markets. It brought prototypes of the truck to the US earlier this year.