India’s Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, unveiled the world’s first Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) compliant hybrid, ethanol-powered Innova.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from plant material fermentation, commonly sourced from sugarcane, corn, and maize, among others.
Ethanol is clean-burning, emitting fewer pollutants than gasoline, and can reduce India’s reliance on imported oil.
The Indian government aims to blend 20% ethanol with gasoline by 2025 to promote cleaner fuel through flex-fuel technology.
Also Read: All Major Target Year by the Government of India.
Gadkari expressed the government’s commitment to eco-friendly vehicles, envisioning a future with vehicles running on 100% ethanol.
The Toyota Mirai EV, a hydrogen-powered car, was launched by Gadkari last year to promote green fuel.
The new Innova features a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and an electric motor, offering fuel efficiency and an e-CVT transmission.
This hybrid system achieves up to 28 km/l in the city and 35 km/l on highways, running on both ethanol and petrol fuels.
The BS6-compliant Innova, developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in collaboration with ARAI, provides the flexibility to switch between ethanol and petrol fueling.
Ethanol for the vehicle is expected to be sourced from excess food grain and biomass, supporting the agricultural economy while reducing carbon footprint.
Notable features of the new Innova include a seven-seater cabin, touchscreen infotainment, reverse camera, and parking assist system.
The unveiling took place at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, showcasing the innovation in hybrid technology and renewable energy use.
