Toyota Motor has taken a pioneering step in sustainable mobility by unveiling the world's first car powered entirely by ethanol and equipped with a versatile flex-fuel engine. This groundbreaking vehicle, based on the well-known MPV model Innova HyCross, was officially launched on August 29. The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The remarkable aspect of the electrified flex-fuel Innova HyCross is its ability not only to run on alternative fuel but also to generate its own electric power and operate in an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode. This prototype aligns with the latest emission standards, Bharat Stage 6 (Stage 2), underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Specifically designed to operate exclusively on ethanol, a renewable plant-based fuel known as E100, the Toyota Innova HyCross flex-fuel MPV is a testament to Toyota's innovative engineering. The vehicle is set to incorporate a lithium-ion battery pack that empowers it to operate efficiently in EV mode. While a production version release date for the electrified Innova HyCross flex-fuel model is yet to be confirmed, its potential to contribute to cleaner transportation is evident.

Comparatively, the flex-fuel version of the Innova HyCross differs from the hybrid variant available in the Indian market. The hybrid Innova HyCross features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 181 bhp, delivering a fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl, and is paired with an e-CVT transmission.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, has been a consistent advocate for embracing alternative fuels to reduce the dependency on imported crude oil. This move not only aims to mitigate pollution but also aligns with India's commitment to lowering carbon emissions. Gadkari emphasized the impact of vehicular pollution on the environment, particularly in cities like Delhi.

Toyota's endeavor in the realm of sustainable mobility was further showcased earlier in the year with the launch of India's first all-hydrogen electric vehicle, the Mirai. Developed in collaboration with the International Center for Automotive Technology (ICAT), the Mirai stands as a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), emitting only water from its tailpipe and contributing to a greener future. Nitin Gadkari: India has become 3rd largest automobile economy from 7th in the last 9 years