Gadkari touts 100% ethanol Toyota Innova that could match cheap petrol costs

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari responded to concerns over India's E20 ethanol-petrol blend by promoting a forthcoming Toyota Innova that will run on pure ethanol, a vehicle he expects to cost as little as petrol priced at Rs 25 per litre. He mentioned an invitation to attend the October launch and claimed the car can produce 60% of its electricity while operating. Citing the use of ethanol in 19 nations with no vehicle complaints, Gadkari positioned the model as part of a broader push for flex-fuel, electric and hydrogen alternatives.

He referenced Maruti Suzuki's earlier flex-fuel launch and suggested that app-based bike-taxi platforms could create jobs for rural two-wheelers. The remarks were made at a separate event unveiling a new public bus service in Madhya Pradesh, where he also linked ethanol production to higher maize prices and farmer income.