KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ethanol-powered Toyota Innova unveiled by Minister Nitin Gadkari
- Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle technology combines a flex fuel engine and electric powertrain for efficient performance
- Prototype aligns with India's BS 6 emission norms
On Tuesday, Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, introduced the groundbreaking ethanol-fueled vehicle, Toyota Innova Hycross, in Delhi. This marks the global debut of the first-of-its-kind BS-6 (Stage II) 'Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle,' innovatively crafted by Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The aim is to amplify the adoption of eco-friendly energy in India. For additional details, read below. Meanwhile, you can join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Group for the latest updates from the automotive industry.
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Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles: A Green Technological Leap
The introduction of Electrified Flex-Fuel Vehicles presents a cutting-edge green technology that combines a flex-fuel engine with an electric powertrain. This innovative approach, similar to a Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV), allows the vehicle to travel up to 40% of the distance and 60% of the time using only the electric mode (under specific test conditions), while the petrol engine remains off. This combination of the electric powertrain and flex-fuel engine tackles this challenge, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles offer a dual advantage. They significantly increase the use of eco-friendly fuel (ethanol) and also ensure commendable fuel efficiency due to the high proportion of electric mode driving. The technology minimizes the need for advanced chemistry batteries, which are considerably smaller (around 1.3-1.5 KWhr) compared to those used in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) (ranging from 40-60 KWhr). This strategic decision guards against battery supply risks, considering geopolitical factors.
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Milestone Towards a Sustainable Future
In 2019, Brazil introduced the Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle technology, which has emission norms that are less strict than India's BS 6 standards. The new prototype of this technology, unveiled using the popular Innova Hycross platform, is tailored to align with India's higher emission requirements. This debut model becomes the world's first Prototype of BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle.
The upcoming stages for this prototype involve refining its calibration, achieving homologation, and obtaining certification. This marks a significant milestone in India's automotive sector.
Verdict
This groundbreaking development signals a significant stride towards sustainable mobility, as the world witnesses the launch of the world's first ethanol-powered vehicle, showcasing the potential for cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions. The flex fuel prototype is built upon the well-known Toyota Innova Hycross strong hybrid. Toyota Innova Hycross is a hybrid MPV that competes with rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carnival, Mahindra XUV700, and more.
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