The world’s first prototype car runs on ethanol and electric energy
New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday unveiled the world’s first prototype of BS6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’. It is developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motors. It can run on up to 85 per cent ethanol blended fuel.
On this occasion, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the problem of stubble burning with bio-fuel will end almost 100 percent. This will also help in doubling the income of the farmers. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the prototype of flex-fuel Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid, the Union Minister said that today is a historic day for the whole world as the first prototype is going to be unveiled. Before that there was Vikram Kirloskar and I usually used to inquire from him about the prototype every now and then. But, his death is a big loss for us.
He informed that India is currently importing fuel worth Rs 16 lakh crore. If we see the graph of pollution, 40 percent pollution is generated due to fuel. I hardly stay in Delhi for two or three days. I am suffering from infection when I return back to my native place. Everyone knows about the condition of Delhi and the level of pollution. He said that Haryana’s Panipat plant is producing ethanol, which is produced from bio-waste. He gave the example of how 50 per cent bio-aviation fuel is being used in two separate flights. 65% of our country’s GDP is from agriculture background and I know about the condition of farmers.
The Union Minister said, “My dream is to convert ‘Annadata’ to ‘Urjadata’ (solar power generator). He said that he himself is from a farmer’s family and knows how much it will benefit the farmers. The problem of burning stubble with bio-fuel will end almost 100 percent. Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make farmers self-reliant, the minister said that ethanol is an indigenous, eco-friendly and renewable fuel. It holds promising prospects for India.
“The Modi government’s thrust on ethanol is in line with the objectives of achieving energy self-sufficiency, doubling farmers’ income, converting them into energy providers while continuing to support them as food providers, and making a positive impact on the environment,” he added.
He also added that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global mission against climate change, Toyota is enthusiastically transitioning to clean energy solutions. “Their strong commitment to environmental protection is evident in their advanced technologies, such as hydrogen vehicles and electrified flex fuel vehicles,” he added.
The BS6 Stage II ‘electrified flex fuel vehicle’ vehicle is based on the Toyota Innova Highcross. It has been engineered to comply with the stringent emission norms of India. It is touted as the first BS6 (Stage II) electrified flex fuel vehicle prototype globally.
