Hino 700 Series hybrid, 300 BEV on the cards

HINO Australia is leaning further into its hybrid strategy as the transition to Euro 6 emissions regulations looms, with plans to ramp up sales of its 300 Series hybrid electric range and a trial of the 700 Series Hybrid set to take place next year.

This forms part of Hino’s larger commitment to hybrid and electric vehicle technology, as highlighted by Hino Australia president Richard Emery during a recent business update during the Bathurst 1000 race.

“You’ve already seen us ramp up on our commitment towards hybrid electric, so we want to really concentrate on these two products over the next two years,” Mr Emery said.

“We still think there’s significant growth opportunity in hybrid electric anyway, and 700 Series has never really hit its tracks.”

Back in May, Mr Emery expressed his desire to bring the Japan-only 700 Series hybrid to Australia, suggesting it was “certainly now on the table.”

After a long wait, Mr Emery told GoAuto that the 700 Series hybrid is indeed on its way Down Under, and will be trialled next year with customers who have expressed interest in the heavy-duty hybrid model.

“Next year we’ll introduce some 700 Series Hybrid Electric vehicles to key clients to confirm their practicality and cost benefits,” he said.

While Hino remains focused on hybrid solutions – similar to its parent company Toyota – Mr Emery said the brand is also trialling light-duty electric trucks in the interim to stay ahead of the curve.

Shortly after suggesting that electric trucks are a focus area for Hino Australia, a Japanese-specification Dutro Z-EV – which is essentially an all-electric 300 Series – was rolled out for media to pore over (but not drive).

Mr Emery confirmed that the light-duty electric truck is already being trialled in Australia, though he did not provide a timeline or details of the local specification.

“We will have a number of light-duty battery electric Dutro (300 Series) ZEVs on trial to confirm their range and operational capacity in the Australian market,” he said.

“This will ensure that when the time comes in Australia for full-scale electric vehicles, Hino will have a product that meets our customers’ needs and specifications.”

Hino is aiming to stay ahead of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) curve while shaking the ‘head in the sand’ reputation it has inherited from Toyota.

“We have copped some criticism along with Toyota... that we as a Toyota family business have our heads in the sand on the matter of battery electric,” said Mr Emery.

“Like Toyota, we take exception to that. We’ve had hybrid trucks reducing consumption and emissions in Australia for 15 years or so.”

While the focus remains on hybrid solutions, Mr Emery made it clear that Hino is positioning itself to be a leader in electric vehicles when the market is ready.

“No doubt the move to ZEV and the emergence of fuel cells will accelerate and our business continues to invest in all of those things,” he said.

“Make no mistake, when that tipping point comes, we expect Hino will be at the forefront of that.”

Front and centre at the event was Hino’s official Supercars recovery vehicle that was put to work at the Bathurst 1000 race, an example of the hybrid model’s versatility.  

Another vehicle exhibited was a local council-specified tipper that features an electric PTO (power take-off), which enables the tipper to operate when the diesel engine is turned off – reducing idle time.