Toyota Innova HyCross Flex-Fuel: Amid the ongoing discussions regarding ethanol fuel, the country's first fully ethanol-powered car is going to be launched. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced that the Toyota Innova HyCross will be launched this month, November 2026. This flex-fuel MPV has been specifically designed to run on E100 (pure ethanol). The special thing is that this car can easily run not only on ethanol, but also on any blend of petrol and ethanol.
Nitin Gadkari Has Been Using It for a Year and a Half
During the ENRich 2026 conference held in New Delhi on November 2, Nitin Gadkari shared that the himself has been using this Innova flex-fuel car from Toyota for about the last year and a half. However, buyers should keep in mind that Toyota has not yet officially disclosed the car's price, booking amount, showroom launch date, or specifications. This means there may be a slight gap between the minister unveiling the vehicle and the commencement of sales in showrooms
What Is Special About the Car
Along with the flex-fuel engine, this car comes equipped with Toyota's powerful strong-hybrid system. Ethanol has less energy compared to petrol, but due to the hybrid system, the vehicle uses the battery and electric motor at the right speed, which delivers better mileage. Toyota first unveiled this technology globally in August 2023, following which it has undergone various tests and certification processes.
Where Will Ethanol Be Available
The biggest question facing prospective buyers of this vehicle is fuel availability. While E20 petrol is easily accessible across the country, petrol pumps offering pure ethanol are currently not available nationwide. According to Nitin Gadkari, the price of ethanol is approximately ₹75 per litre, whereas the price of petrol is around ₹120 per litre.
Important Precaution for Regular Car Owners
100 percent ethanol cannot be directly filled into existing petrol cars. To run on ethanol, it is essential for the car’s engine, fuel pipes, and seals to be different. Most cars sold today are suitable only for E20 fuel. Fill your car only with the fuel that is specified in its manual or on its sticker.
