Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) showcased its Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles during the 1st edition of the India Sugar & Bio-Energy Conference 2023 (ISBEC) held in Delhi from September 21 to 22, 2023. The conference, jointly organized by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the International Sugar Organisation (ISO), and the Government of India, saw TKM exhibiting two models of its advanced green vehicles. Through this display, Toyota emphasized the role of biofuels in facilitating a smooth transition away from fossil fuel consumption, promoting carbon neutrality.
The event gathered approximately 500 participants, including government representatives, industry experts, sugar mill owners, academia, industry bodies, media, and dignitaries. The conference provided a platform for global and Indian thought leaders to share their insights on the sugar economy and innovative technologies in the biofuels sector, fostering knowledge exchange and future approaches in the sugar and bio-energy industry.
TKM, earlier this year in February, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ISMA to promote the use of ethanol as a clean, indigenous, renewable, and sustainable energy source for the automotive industry in India.
Toyota is committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 on a vehicle life-cycle basis and aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Manufacturing Operations by 2035. The company is actively promoting clean technologies tailored to the unique requirements of each market, considering factors like energy mix, consumer acceptance, infrastructure readiness, and national objectives.
TKM’s efforts align with India’s goal of becoming ‘Atma Nirbhar’ (self-reliant) in energy by 2047 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2070. The company unveiled the prototype of the world’s first BS 6 (Stage II) Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle earlier this year. This prototype, alongside the Toyota-Brazil manufactured Corolla Flex-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle, was on display during the ISBEC.
Ethanol, being a renewable and clean energy source, holds significant potential for India to reduce carbon emissions and shift away from fossil fuels. Additionally, it can boost farmer incomes and create jobs, contributing to the agrarian economy. The government has also introduced second-generation technologies for producing ethanol from agricultural residues like agricultural waste (parali), which would otherwise be burnt, thereby generating economic value from waste and supporting farmers.
India possesses abundant renewable energy, surplus sugar, food grains, and biomass, offering immense possibilities for transitioning to a cleaner energy future. Ethanol produced from sugarcane, food grains, and biomass can substitute a significant portion of petrol used in vehicles, reducing carbon emissions.
TKM aims to introduce Flex Fuel Vehicles that can use higher blends of ethanol beyond the 20% mix (E20) after 2025. Combining the electric powertrain with the flex fuel engine in Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles can overcome the challenge of lower fuel efficiency associated with ethanol, making them an efficient and eco-friendly choice.
Mr. Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President of the Indian Sugar Mills Association, expressed gratitude to Toyota Kirloskar Motor for participating in ISBEC 2023. He highlighted Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and biofuels, aligning with the vision of promoting ethanol, rural economy, and eco-friendly transportation solutions in India.
Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, emphasized Toyota’s commitment to promoting sustainable technological advancements in green mobility. He underlined the potential of ethanol as an indigenous and clean energy source to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions in India.
The India Sugar & Bio-Energy Conference 2023 serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss sustainability and the diverse applications of biofuels. TKM actively participated in the conference, with Mr. Vikram Gulati serving as a key speaker in a session focusing on ‘Bioenergy Policies & Regulation Framework.’
Toyota’s commitment to cleaner vehicle technologies aligns with its mission to contribute to the “Mass Happiness of All.”
