Ethanol-Powered Toyota Innova to Launch Nitin Gadkari to Unveil it at 12 PM World's First Electrified Flex Fuel Car

100% Ethanol-Powered Toyota Innova to Launch: Nitin Gadkari to Unveil it at 12 PM, World's First Electrified Flex Fuel Car

Central Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is launching a car today that runs on 100% ethanol fuel, the Toyota Innova. This car is the prototype of the world's first electrified flex fuel vehicle, developed in accordance with BS6 Stage-2 norms. The event will take place in Delhi starting at 12 PM.

This car can generate up to 40% electricity from flex fuel for its hybrid system. Gadkari mentioned, 'The price of ethanol is around ₹60 per liter, and this car can provide a mileage of 15 to 20 kmpl. This makes it much more cost-effective compared to petrol, which currently sells for about ₹120 per liter.'

Gadkari also stated, 'We spend ₹16 lakh crores on oil imports, and this fuel can save us that expense. If we want to become self-reliant, we must bring oil imports to zero. Currently, the country spends ₹16 lakh crores on this, which is a significant loss to our economy.'

Maruti is also working on flex-fuel vehicles

Apart from Toyota, Maruti is also working on flex-fuel vehicles. The company unveiled the Wagon R prototype at the Auto Expo earlier this year. This car can run on 85% ethanol-mixed fuel.

Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of starch and sugar

Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced through the fermentation of starch and sugar. It is used in vehicles as an eco-friendly fuel when blended with petrol. Ethanol production primarily involves sugarcane juice, but it can also be made from starchy materials like corn, sweet potatoes, cassava, and various other root vegetables.

Types of Ethanol Fuel:

1. 1G Ethanol: First-generation ethanol is made from sugarcane juice, sweet beets, sweet potatoes, sweet sorghum, and corn.
2. 2G Ethanol: Second-generation ethanol is made from cellulose and lignocellulosic materials like rice husk, wheat straw, corn cob, bamboo, and woody biomass.
3. 3G Biofuel: Third-generation biofuel is produced from algae. Research and development are ongoing in this area.

Benefits of Ethanol Fuel for Cars:

• Cost-effective: One of the biggest advantages of ethanol fuel is its price, which is currently around ₹60 per liter in India. Nitin Gadkari has mentioned that the upcoming car can achieve a mileage of 15 to 20 kmpl. This makes it more cost-effective compared to petrol, which currently sells for about ₹120 per liter.
• Environmentally friendly: Mixing ethanol with petrol can help reduce pollution caused by petrol usage. The use of ethanol can lower a car's carbon monoxide emissions by 35%. Ethanol also reduces the emissions of sulfur dioxide and hydrocarbons. Ethanol contains 35% oxygen, which also helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Extends engine life: Vehicles running on ethanol or ethanol-blended petrol run cooler than pure petrol vehicles. Ethanol evaporates quickly, which prevents the engine from overheating. This can extend the life of the engine.
• Benefits for farmers: Increased use of ethanol benefits farmers as it can be made from sugarcane, corn, and many other crops. It provides a new income source for sugarcane mills and increases earnings.
• Government benefits: Gadkari has stated that this fuel can save the government's expenses on petroleum imports. Bringing oil imports to zero is crucial for India's self-reliance. Currently, the country spends ₹16 lakh crores on this, which is a significant economic loss.

Hydrogen-Powered Toyota Mirai was previously launched

Gadkari is consistently promoting alternative fuels and green energy-powered vehicles. Last year, he showcased the Toyota Corolla hybrid as part of the flex-fuel pilot project. Subsequently, the minister also launched the hydrogen-powered car, Toyota Mirai.