Nitin Gadkari launches world's first ethanol-run Toyota Innova

This is world's 1st prototype of BS-6 (Stage II) ‘electrified flex fuel vehicle’ developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, on August 29 launched world's first version of ethanol-run Toyota Innova in a boost to enhance clean energy use in the country. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas was also present at the event.

This is world's 1st prototype of BS-6 (Stage II) ‘electrified flex fuel vehicle’ developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The launch is in line with the government's policy drive to decrease India's dependency on imported petroleum and shift away from fossil fuels.

“I believe India will soon be the world’s first vehicle manufacturing hub of electric, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, bio-LNG, bio-CNG and other alternative fuel vehicles. Alternative fuels will indeed change the whole landscape of India’s economy and it will not only make farmers Annadattta to Urjadatta but also providers of Bio-aviation fuel,” Gadkari said.

According to a statement by Toyota, the ethanol-fueled variant of Toyota Innova will be the world's first BS-VI (Stage-II) electrified flex-fuel vehicle. Last year, Gadkari introduced the Toyota Mirai EV, which runs on purely hydrogen-generated electricity.

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Gadkari further said this vehicle is based on the Innova Hycross and is engineered to adhere to India's stricter emission standards, marking it as the first-ever BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle prototype globally.

The forthcoming stages for this prototype encompass meticulous refinement, homologation, and certification processes, he further added.

Earlier this month, the minister had announced at a sustainability conclave that he will launch the electric flex-fuel Toyota Innova MPV, which is entirely fueled by ethanol.