Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has unveiled a prototype of a Toyota Innova Hycross (known as the Innova Zenix in Malaysia) that runs on an electrified biofuel powertrain, earning it the Strong Hybrid Electrified Vehicle (SHEV) suffix.
The MPV will run on ethanol, that can either be derived from sugarcane and food grain, or plant waste and residues that would've otherwise be disposed. Paired to that is a hybrid system which runs off a ~1.3 - 1.5 kWhr lithium-ion battery.
Output wasn't shared just yet, though Car Dekho mentions that the car still runs on the 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine as regular variants do, with the exception of a new ECU, ethanol sensor, as well as ethanol-compatible components within that are more resistant to corrosion (necessary since ethanol is more acidic than petrol).
The challenge with ethanol is its lower energy density than petrol, which necessitates the need for electrification. Toyota says this Innova Hycross SHEV can run 60% of the time in electric mode, making it more efficient than regular petrol-powered variants.
Consequently this prototype powertrain fits under India's latest emission regulations, the Bharat Stage 6 (Phase 2); which is equivalent to the Euro 6 standards. The next steps for the prototype include further finer calibration, homologation, and certification.
Beyond being in-line with India's enhanced focus into ethanol production, flex fuels are just another effort in Toyota's multi-pathway approach to carbon-neutral motoring in which pure electric, various hybrids, as well as hydrogen technologies are explored, among others.
At home in Malaysia, Toyota offers 2 variants of the Innova Zenix: the regular, pure-petrol 2.0 V at RM 165,000, and the 2.0 hybrid that starts from RM 202,000.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
