Toyota will launch a new Innova in India on November 26 that will run entirely on bioethanol, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said at the ‘Powering the Next Mile’ conclave on Tuesday. Gadkari also claimed that the vehicle’s effective running cost could be equivalent to Rs 25-30 per litre of petrol because it would generate nearly 60% of its power through electricity while driving.
The announcement places the vehicle within the government’s wider push to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and encourage alternative-energy technologies in road transport. The minister said the upcoming Toyota Innova would use 100% bioethanol instead of conventional petrol.
Bioethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from biological sources. Its use in vehicles is being promoted as one way to reduce reliance on crude oil, particularly when the fuel is produced from agricultural feedstock and other renewable materials. The report did not provide details on the vehicle’s engine configuration, battery capacity, mileage, performance specifications or expected price.
Gadkari compared the cost of ethanol and petrol while explaining his estimate. He said ethanol currently costs around Rs 75 per litre, while petrol costs approximately Rs 120 per litre. According to the minister, the vehicle’s ability to generate nearly 60% of its power through electricity would further reduce its effective operating expense.
“The price of ethanol is Rs 75 per litre, while petrol costs Rs 120 per litre. This vehicle will also generate 60 per cent of its power through electricity while running,” Gadkari said, according to the report. He said the combined effect would bring the overall running cost to the equivalent of Rs 25-30 per litre of petrol.
The running-cost figure is a ministerial estimate and the supplied report does not include an independent calculation or technical explanation of how the equivalent cost was derived. It also does not state whether the vehicle will be available nationally at launch, identify the ethanol-blending or supply arrangements required, or provide details of Toyota’s sales and service plans.
Gadkari used the conclave to describe the development of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles in India. Recalling the early electric two-wheelers launched by Bajaj and TVS, he said those vehicles initially offered a range of about 125 kilometres. He added that efforts to lower prices to around Rs 70,000-72,000 led some companies to reduce battery capacity, bringing the range down to nearly 70 kilometres.
The minister said green, safe and inclusive technologies could benefit consumers and the country. He has also advocated wider use of biofuels, electric vehicles and other alternative-energy systems as part of efforts to reduce India’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Toyota’s new Innova is scheduled to be launched on November 26. Further details on its specifications, price, availability, fuel system and operating performance were not provided in the supplied announcement.
