The Ethanol-powered Toyota Innova will become the first electrified flex-fuel car in the world to comply with BSVI stage 2 emission standards
On August 29, 2023, Union Road Transport & Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, will reveal the Ethanol fuel powered Toyota Innova MPV. The news has been confirmed by the man himself as he stated during the Mint Sustainability Summit: “On August 29, I am going to launch the popular (Toyota) Innova car on 100% ethanol,”
The Toyota Innova has been specially altered to run on 100 per cent Ethanol. This is in line with the Union Minister’s request for the mainstream carmakers to bring up alternative fuel based passenger cars and electric vehicles. Last year, he introduced the Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle in India. In FY 2024-25, we will see plenty of action in the passenger EV space.
He further noted that he developed an interest in biofuels way back in 2004 following the gasoline price hike and paid a visit to Brazil to delve deep. He explained that biofuels have the potential to create remarkable outcomes and significantly reduce the foreign exchange expenditure associated with petroleum imports.
He opined that biofuels can do wonders and save a lot of forex which is being spent on the import of petroleum. To have a self-sustained industry, Gadkari wants to neutralise the oil import, which accounts for Rs. 16 lakh crore currently. The Ethanol-powered Toyota Innova will become the first electrified flex-fuel car in the world to comply with BSVI stage 2 emission standards.
He additionally mentioned that multiple road initiatives amounting to around Rs. 65,000 crore are anticipated to reach completion by the end of this calendar year. This encompasses the development of the Dwarka Expressway. He also drew attention to the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and the importance of preserving the environment.
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed the arrival of strong hybrid cars like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova Hycross, Maruti Suzuki Invicto, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda City Hybrid, etc. Homegrown manufacturers like Mahindra and Tata are pushing to launch a slew of zero-emission vehicles over the next two to three years.