In Pics: Nitin Gadkari unveils the world's first prototype of 100% ethanol-fueled Toyoto Innova Hycross

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on August 29 launched the world's first prototype of BS-6 (Stage II) 'electrified flex fuel vehicle' developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in New Delhi.

Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Mahendra Nath Pandey, MD & CEO of Toyota Masakazu Yoshimura, MD & CEO of Kirloskar Systems Limited Geetanjali Kirloskar, were also present at the occasion.

The vehicle is based on the Innova Hycross and is engineered to adhere to India’s stricter emission standards.

The forthcoming stages for this prototype encompasses meticulous refinement, homologation and certification processes.

Ethanol being an indigenous, eco-friendly, and renewable fuel holds promising prospects for India.

The emphasis of the Modi government on ethanol aligns with objectives of attaining energy self-sufficiency, doubling farmers' income, transitioning them to Urjadata while continuing to support them as Annadata, and positively impacting the environment.

The day ethanol economy becomes of 2 lakh crores agricultural growth rate will reach 20 percent from the current 12 percent.