Toyota unveils the world's first BS6.2 electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle

The 100% ethanol-fueled prototype vehicle is based on the Innova Hycross.

Toyota has unveiled what is claimed to be the world's first BS6 Stage-II electrified flex-fuel vehicle.

The 100% ethanol-fueled prototype vehicle is based on the Innova Hycross. It was unveiled by the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari. According to the minister, the prototype will undergo further refinement, followed by homologation and certification.

Ethanol is an indigenous, clean & renewable fuel. "The government’s focus on ethanol is for achieving energy self-reliance, spurring the incomes for farmers and having a better impact on the environment," Gadkari said. "The plan is not only to diversify agriculture surpluses towards the energy sector but also generate wealth from waste using 2G technology for producing ethanol from bio-waste. A lot of emphasis is being laid on building and expanding the necessary infrastructure to produce ethanol in the whole country," he added.

Last year, Toyota had showcased the Corolla Altis Hybrid which can run on petrol and ethanol. The car uses a 1.8-litre engine that develops 101 BHP and 142.2 Nm. It is paired with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and a 1.3 kWh battery pack. The electric motor has an output of 72 BHP and 162.8 Nm, and the hybrid powertrain is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).