India’s Transport Minister Unveils World’s First Ethanol-Powered Hybrid Car
India’s Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, has officially unveiled the world’s first-ever prototype of an ethanol-powered hybrid car. The vehicle is an iteration of the popular Toyota Innova MPV and marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation.
Ethanol, a renewable fuel derived from agricultural waste such as sugarcane, corn, maize, and barley, powers the innovative hybrid car. Compared to traditional fossil fuels, ethanol is not only cost-effective but also releases significantly fewer toxins into the environment through its tailpipe emissions.
India has vast potential for ethanol production using plant waste or residues, such as ‘Parali,’ by employing advanced 2G technology. This development is particularly crucial as the burning of ‘Parali’ has been a major cause of pollution in northern parts of India. By utilizing this waste material in ethanol production, the country can minimize pollution and contribute to a greener future.
One of the notable advantages of ethanol is its higher octane rating compared to petrol. This attribute is expected to enhance the power and performance of the car, providing a thrilling driving experience for consumers. Although flex fuel vehicles generally have slightly lower fuel efficiency than their petrol counterparts, the lower cost of ethanol fuel should comfortably offset this loss.
Flex fuel technology enables the car’s engine to utilize a higher blend of ethanol in petrol/gasoline, surpassing the 20% threshold. Brazil currently leads in ethanol blending, with an average of 48%, while India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025. Consequently, the availability of E20 fuel, compatible with various vehicles, has increased across the country’s 3,300 fuel pumps.
India has witnessed a remarkable increase in ethanol blending over the past years. From 1.53% in 2013-14, the ethanol mix in petrol has risen to 11.5% in March 2023, leading to a significant reduction in the oil import bill totaling Rs. 41,500 crores in the last eight years.
Customers can expect the ethanol-powered Innova to make its way into the Indian market within the coming years. Although the car remains visually unchanged, it sports badges distinguishing it from its traditional internal combustion engine counterpart. Under the hood, it boasts a powerful 2.7-liter flex-fuel hybrid engine capable of running on 100% ethanol, optimized at 93% maximum capacity.
This groundbreaking development showcases India’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing its carbon footprint. By prioritizing ethanol-powered vehicles, the country aims to contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.
