Hino has announced it will launch its first full-scale electric vehicle (EV) with its Hino Dutro Z EV scheduled for release in Japan mid next year.
According to Hino this variation of the Dutro or the 300 Series as it is known in Australia will be a walk-through van style, battery electric vehicle with an ultra-low floor and will target the last mile delivery market.
The Dutro Z EV will be driven by a compact 50kW electric motor mounted under the cab, driving the front wheels.
“A Lithium Ion battery is smartly packaged and is mounted under the floor of the cargo area in between the chassis rails, while the electronic control units and other ancillary equipment are located under the cab,” said Daniel Petrovski, manager of product strategy for Hino Australia.
“The walk-through structure of the van and its targeted cruising range of 100+km is particularly suited to the multi-stop delivery characteristics of the last mile delivery challenge.
In addition to the walk-through van, Hino says it has also developed a traditional light truck style cab chassis version that customers can mount their application specific body to.
“This is an exciting product and Hino Australia is currently in discussion with Hino Motors, Ltd. regarding a release date for the Dutro Z EV into the Australian market,” concluded Daniel Petrovski.
