Toyota launches hybrid truck
August 1st 2009 Toyota has launched what it believes is the
first IC hybrid lift truck. Although the firm
has announced no plans for its UK launch,
sales will commence in Japan by December
this year.
The Geneo-Hybrid 3.5 tonne truck
combines a 2.5-litre diesel engine, electric
motor and nickel-hydride battery. Toyota
claims this will halve fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions while delivering the
operational performance of an equivalent
conventional diesel-powered forklift. In line
with its kaizen philosophy of continuous
improvement, Toyota says it is exploring a
range of technologies using existing fuels
as well as alternative energy sources to
meet evolving industry needs over the
short, medium and long term.
The Geneo-Hybrid combines a Series
Hybrid System for driving and a Parallel
Hybrid System for load handling. With the
Series Hybrid System, the forklift truck's
drive motor runs on electric energy from
the engine-powered generator and battery.
Load handling functions are powered by a
Parallel Hybrid System with a hydraulic
pump that receives mechanical energy
from the diesel engine and generator, and
electric energy from the battery. The nickel
hydride battery is recharged by the engine's
operation and does not require plug-in
recharging, making it suitable for multishift
operations. Power efficiency is further
boosted by use of regenerated energy
recovered when the accelerator is released
and when changing the direction of travel. More articles from Toyota Material Handling (UK) Ltd: | 
