Toyota has showcased a new prototype based on the Innova Hycross. This made-in-India vehicle comes with a flex-fuel hybrid powertrain. It is claimed to be the world’s first BS6 Stage II-compliant flex-fuel vehicle.
This Innova was unveiled by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, It is possible that Toyota is planning to launch the same in the near future.
The Innova is the second car after the Corolla flex-fuel hybrid concept to be showcased in India. Both of these are part of a project that is testing such flex-fuel vehicles in India.
For the Innova prototype, Toyota is using the 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine along with an electric motor. This is similar to the hybrid variants of the current Innova Hycross. However, the difference is that the prototype can run on any ethanol blend higher than 20 percent.
Furthermore, as it is an EV, Toyota claims it operates 60 percent on EV mode and 40 percent on the ethanol powered engine. This gives the car one of the lowest well-to-wheel emissions. To make this engine complaint with ethanol, Toyota offers different spark plugs, piston ring tops along with upgraded valve and valve seats. This makes them water-resistant and prevents corrosion when running on ethanol.
The Japanese carmaker has also offered a three-way catalyst on the exhaust which further reduces the hydrocarbon emissions. Additionally, Toyota has also tweaked the fuel filter, fuel pump as well as the fuel line to handle the ethanol. The fuel lines now have ethanol sensors in them as well.
While this prototype model is ready to go, Toyota will be testing it out. The company is expected to carry out further tests. As such, there is no confirmation of the launch or any timeline for the same.
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