Toyota Camry with flex-fuel engine running on 100% ethanol launch soon
Toyota is gearing up to introduce flex-fuel vehicles in the Indian market. The announcement was made by Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, during an event held in Nagpur. The minister emphasised the country’s transition towards vehicles powered by 100% ethanol and highlighted Toyota’s plans to launch the flex-fuel version of the Camry in August of this year.
A flex-fuel engine is designed to operate on a range of fuel mixtures, including petrol blended with ethanol or methanol, as well as pure ethanol. This technology offers increased fuel versatility and the potential for reduced emissions. Currently, flex-fuel vehicles are available in select international markets such as Brazil, United States and Canada.
In October 2022, Toyota showcased the flex-fuel Corolla Altis Hybrid in India, giving a glimpse of what’s to come. This innovative car combines a 1.8-litre engine generating 101 BHP and 142.2 Nm of torque. The combustion engine is complemented by a 72 BHP electric motor and a 1.3 kWh battery pack, enhancing the vehicle’s overall efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.
Flex-fuel vehicles offer several advantages to Indian consumers. Firstly, they provide greater fuel options, allowing drivers to choose between petrol, ethanol blends or even pure ethanol, depending on availability and cost. This versatility can contribute to reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and help promote a more sustainable transportation sector.
Additionally, the introduction of flex-fuel technology aligns with the Indian government’s push for alternative fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Ethanol, in particular, is a renewable biofuel derived from crops such as sugarcane or corn, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fossil fuels.
With the impending launch of the flex-fuel Camry in August, Indian consumers can anticipate more options for eco-friendly vehicles in the market. As Toyota takes the lead in introducing flex-fuel technology to the country, other automakers may follow suit, further diversifying the choices available to environmentally conscious consumers.
