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What
are the major advantages of the Canter Eco Hybrid? |
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| First, in developing a small truck,
the most important thing is to provide a high level of environmental performance
and safety as the truck operates in densely populated areas when making deliveries.
With the safety enhancements of the Canter Eco Hybrid, drivers can easily keep
their eyes on the surroundings even when navigating in tight spaces. Driving the
truck also requires less physical effort than other trucks. Second, a low-emission
vehicle is required to avoid polluting people’s living environments. Finally,
the truck needs to make for good business efficiency or it will not be well received
by the world market. The truck’s parallel hybrid system, which is 30% more
fuel efficient than similar diesel-only trucks, satisfies all these demands. |
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Exactly
what is the parallel hybrid system? |
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Among hybrid vehicles,
buses often use the series system, meaning that propulsion comes from an electric
motor that uses power generated by a small diesel engine—this is efficient
for stop-and-go driving as the electric engine’s high torque at low speeds
makes for smooth acceleration. Passenger vehicles generally use a series/parallel
system. The Canter Eco Hybrid, which is designed for short- and medium-distance
transports, uses a parallel hybrid system.
With the parallel hybrid system, propulsion
comes from either or both the diesel engine and the electric motor, which reduces
CO2 emissions and improves fuel efficiency. Also,
the power transmission losses are small because the system is mechanically connected
from the engine all the way to the tires.
The Canter Eco Hybrid can be started by the
driving force of the electric motor alone, and while running on electric power
CO2 emissions, fuel costs and noise are all greatly
reduced. The electric motor also assists the engine when extra power is needed,
for instance when climbing a hill or accelerating.
When cruising, the hybrid system automatically
switches to the diesel engine. This has two key benefits. First, the fact that
the engine is only used during constant speeds further improves fuel efficiency
and cuts CO2 emissions. Second, the driving comfort
is that of a powerful automatic transmission car. Compared with a normal, stick
shift-operated truck, driving is smoother and more powerful, particularly when
climbing hills or other situations where extra power
is needed.
Importantly, during deceleration or braking, the electric motor also functions
as an electric generator and stores electrical energy in a lithium-ion battery.
This energy is then reused by the electric motor. |
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Can
you explain about the environmental performance the Canter Eco Hybrid has actualized? |
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The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
(MLIT) revised the emission standards for cars, trucks and buses on September
26, 2003, and established the so-called New Long-term Emission Regulations, probably
the world’s most stringent emission standard. The Canter Eco Hybrid has already
achieved NOx (nitric oxide) and PM (particulate matter) emission levels that are
10% lower than the regulatory targets, and has been officially certified as a
low-emission heavy vehicle.
Furthermore, in developing the Canter Eco Hybrid, we strove to go beyond the government’s
global warming and energy conservation measures. In fact, we have already achieved
the 2015 fuel consumption targets (the Top Runner Standard) for heavy vehicles
under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy (the Energy Conservation Law). |
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Finally,
please talk a little bit about the future aspirations of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck
& Bus Corp. |
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| Hybrid vehicle development is a new and challenging
field, but it has many possibilities. We provide the most appropriate heavy-duty
vehicle solutions for people and the environment, and will continue to move forward
with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility. |
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