New Delhi, August 29, 2023: India’s Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari, proudly unveiled the world’s pioneering prototype of the BS6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle,’ a remarkable achievement developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motors.
In an event celebrating this milestone, Minister Gadkari underscored the transformative potential of this biofuel technology. He highlighted that this innovative vehicle could significantly mitigate the menace of stubble burning, reducing it by nearly 100 percent, while simultaneously contributing to the ambitious goal of doubling farmers’ income.
Addressing the audience at the unveiling ceremony of the cutting-edge Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid, designed to operate on an impressive 85 percent ethanol blend fuel, Minister Gadkari remarked, “Today marks a historic moment for the world as we introduce the first prototype. We mourn the loss of Vikram Kirloskar, who played an instrumental role in this project, and I regularly received updates from him.”
Minister Gadkari emphasized the staggering fuel import costs India currently bears, amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore. Moreover, he pointed out that a substantial 40 percent of pollution is attributed to fuel consumption. Speaking about the dire pollution situation in Delhi, he stated, “I hardly stay in Delhi for two or three days, and when I return to my native place, I am down with infections. Everyone is aware of Delhi’s pollution levels.”
Gadkari revealed that the Panipat plant in Haryana is dedicated to producing ethanol from bio-waste, setting an example of sustainable fuel generation. He also highlighted how 50 percent bio-aviation fuel is already in use in two separate flights, showcasing the potential of biofuels.
Underlining the significance of agriculture in India, he noted that 65 percent of the country’s GDP is generated from this sector. Drawing from his own agricultural background, Gadkari expressed his vision, saying, “My dream is to transform ‘annadatas’ (food providers) into ‘urjadatas’ (producers of solar power).” He reiterated that biofuels have the potential to nearly eliminate stubble burning, a critical issue for farmers.
Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making farmers self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar), Gadkari praised ethanol as an indigenous, eco-friendly, and renewable fuel that holds great promise for India. He stressed that the Modi government’s focus on ethanol aligns with broader objectives, including achieving energy self-sufficiency, doubling farmers’ income, facilitating their transition to renewable energy production while continuing to support them as providers of food, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Minister Gadkari also lauded Toyota’s commitment to environmental conservation and clean energy solutions. He cited Toyota’s dedication to advanced technologies, such as Hydrogen Vehicles and Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles, as evidence of their commitment to combat climate change.
This groundbreaking vehicle is based on the Toyota Innova Hycross platform and is meticulously engineered to meet India’s stringent emission standards, making it the world’s first-ever BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle prototype.
This significant achievement signifies a giant leap forward in India’s pursuit of eco-friendly transportation and energy self-sufficiency, marking a momentous milestone for both the country and the world.
