SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Hino has released the world’s first production hybrid truck in Australia — a prelude, according to ATN magazine. Hino said its new 6,500kg capacity hybrid will be best suited to urban applications and will provide up to 20 percent improved fuel economy than a similar conventional truck. The vehicle combines a 4.0L 110kW diesel engine with a 23kW electric motor that runs in parallel.

Hino has worked for two years with Australian automotive regulators to achieve compliance for the vehicle. Thirty vehicles have been allocated from Hino in Japan. Purchasers are expected to come from government organizations and private fleets keen to trial the technology. Early adopters in the owner-operator sector are also likely to take part of the first batch of hybrid vehicles.

Australia is the first market outside Japan to receive the hybrid.