Upcoming Ethanol-Mixed Flex Fuel Cars In India In 2023
India is targeting net zero emissions by the 2070 goal, and motor industry leaders have to showcase their talent. India wants to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030, and EVs and flex-fuel-based green energy vehicles will help it achieve the target.
E20 fuel is the solution found to reduce the import of fossil fuels and increase the income of sugarcane farmers in India. Car manufacturers in India have already started working on engines that can work on ethanol-blend fuel.
Toyota and Maruti Suzuki have unveiled their flex-fuel models at the Auto Expo 2023. And Tata, Mahindra and Mahindra, and other brands stated that they would soon launch their contributions to the industry.
Flex Fuel Cars in India 2023: Toyota Corolla Flex Fuel Hybrid
In Auto Expo 2023, Toyota unveiled its Corolla flex fuel hybrid sedan. The hybrid machine is designed and engineered to run on both gasoline and ethanol, which delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Toyota has also succeeded in maintaining power, as the 1.8-liter Corolla flex-fuel version can produce 142 nm of peak power.
Toyota is preparing to start mass production of this hybrid version and will launch it soon to run on the roads. The Japanese brand has stated that the Corolla Altis is able to run on up to E85 blended fuel. If India increases the ethanol amount, the engines from Toyota will leave no disappointment, and they will also comply with the new BS6 Phase-II emission norms.
Maruti Suzuki First Ethanol Fuel Car: MS Wagon-R Flex Fuel
At the auto expo 2023, Maruti Suzuki was the other Japan-rooted brand that showcased flex-fuel cars. Ranging from E20 (20% ethanol) to up to E85, the engine of this car is developed to run on naturally processed biofuel. Changing the fuel type will not affect the other features of the car while helping to reduce the carbon footprint.
Maruti has a plan to introduce the whole flex fuel range in 2025, when India will be ready to provide ethanol-mixed fuel like other fossil fuels. Ethanol is a biofuel that is prepared from sugarcane or corn crops, and since it causes very little pollution, it can prove to be helpful in environmental protection.
The new BS6 phase II engines are made to run on 10% ethanol, but by 2025, India planned to increase it to a minimum of 20%, and car makers started working on making compatible engines.
Toyota Innova Hycross: The First Car to Run on 100% Ethanol
The world’s first hybrid car that runs on E100 fuel was launched in India. Toyota has been working to make a machine that will not demand even a drop of fossil fuel. Moreover, the Toyota Innova hybrid can also be switched into a powerful EV. The MPV flex-fuel prototype is developed in compliance with BS6 (stage 2).
Apart from running on completely plant-based fuel, the MPV is also powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. However, Toyota never mentioned when it’s going to start mass production, but in the future, India will definitely see it for a real driving experience. The car may also come with future-generation features such as in-built GPS, a combined braking system, and more.
Hybrid cars can be the future of the Indian automobile industry, as they will not only help the nation reduce carbon emissions but also boost our economy.
