Toyota Kirloskar Motor showcases electrified flex fuel vehicles at India Sugar and Bio-Energy Conference 2023

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) participated at the 1st edition of the ‘The India Sugar and Bio-Energy Conference (ISBEC), 2023’, held at Delhi during September 21-22, 2023, jointly organised by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) and Government of India, by showcasing its Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles.

The event witnessed around 500 participants, including various government representatives, industry experts, sugar mill owners, academia, industry bodies, media, and other dignitaries. Further to elaborate, over the two days, the conference will witness the participation of eminent global and India thought leaders sharing their specialised knowledge on the robust sugar economy and its trades globally, and innovative technologies for inclusive growth in the bio-fuels sector, further facilitating the idea sharing and future approaches of sugar and bio-energy industry. 

Early this year (in Feb 2023), TKM had exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding with ISMA to popularise the use of ethanol being a clean, indigenous, renewable, and sustainable energy source, for the automotive industry in India.

Post 2025, India will have surplus ethanol well beyond the requirement for E20 regime. To fully realise the available potential and to maximise the social benefits, Flex Fuel Vehicle technologies i.e., vehicles that can use higher blends of ethanol beyond 20 percent mix (E20), will be required. However, the challenge with Flex Fuel Vehicles is lower fuel efficiency due to the lower energy density of Ethanol. This challenge can be overcome with the use of the electric powertrain in combination with the flex fuel engine to obtain enhanced fuel efficiency. As such, Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicles provides the twin benefit of higher fuel substitution (with ethanol) as well as good fuel efficiency, due to high ratio of electric mode driving, the company stated.

Marking the ISBEC, Mr. Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President of Indian Sugar Mills Association, said, “Toyota's commitment to sustainability and their focus on biofuels as an indigenous, green automotive fuel of the future is well aligned with our vision of promoting ethanol, rural economy, and eco-friendly transportation solutions in India. Through these milestone initiatives, we aim to create greater awareness, understanding and collaboration on the importance of biofuels and their benefits, amongst consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, etc. ISMA, collectively, is extremely thankful to the government for announcing the global biofuel alliance and we will make every effort to contribute towards making this a big success, further gain from the learnings through such international collaboration.”

Sharing his views on Toyota’s participation at the ISBEC, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Given the Indian context, we foresee a huge potential for ethanol as it is an Indigenous and clean energy source, that can significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of the 'The India Sugar and Bio-Energy Conference 2023. Such important platforms reflect the benefit of the joint initiatives with robust efforts by various key stakeholders in finding practical solutions that are best suited to promote energy security and green mobility in the country,” he added further.