Innova HyCross Flex-Fuel Hybrid May Deliver Petrol-Like Costs- Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said the upcoming Toyota Innova HyCross Flex-Fuel Hybrid could offer a running cost equivalent to a petrol vehicle using fuel priced at around ₹25 per litre. However, this does not mean ethanol itself will be available for ₹25 per litre. The figure refers to the estimated effective cost of travelling a similar distance, considering ethanol’s lower energy density and the additional fuel required compared with petrol.

The Innova HyCross Flex-Fuel Hybrid combines a 100% ethanol-compatible flex-fuel engine with Toyota’s strong-hybrid technology. Under suitable driving conditions, the electric motor can power the vehicle, reducing engine operation and potentially improving overall fuel efficiency. Toyota has previously demonstrated the technology using a small battery, although Gadkari has not provided the detailed calculation behind the ₹25-per-litre equivalent claim.