Toyota Introduces PHEV Flex-Fuel Prius, Can Use Gasoline, Electricity, Etanol, And Cut Emissions 90 Percent

Prius PHEV Flex-Fuel. (Photo: Carscoops)

Toyota has again kicked off with innovations that have the potential to change the landscape of environmentally friendly vehicles.

In Brazil, Toyota introduced a prototype Prius PHEV flex-fuel that combines plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology with machines that can use gasoline and ethanol. As a result, a significant breakthrough in decarbonization efforts.

Referring to Carscoops' report, Thursday, August 14, the main innovation of this prototype lies in its ability to operate with two fuel sources: gasoline and ethanol. When the battery is fully charged and the car runs using ethanol, Toyota claims that this vehicle can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent. This figure goes far beyond conventional vehicle capabilities, even ordinary hybrid cars.

The move shows that Toyota sees biofuels like ethanol as a practical and immediate solution to reducing emissions, not only in Brazil but also in other markets that have the availability of ethanol. This strategy complements the lineup of their existing hybrid flex-fuel products, such as Corolla and Corolla Cross.

Visually, the PHEV Prius prototype is almost identical to the standard model, with only a few special stickers indicating its ability to use three energy sources: gasoline, ethanol, and electricity. Although Toyota has not released specific technical details, a four-cylindrical 2.0 liter engine combined with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery is estimated to be capable of producing a combined 220-phone power while using gasoline.

The presence of this prototype is part of Toyota's large investment of US$2.1 billion in Brazil by 2030. The plan includes producing two new domestic hybrid flex-fuel models, one of which is the Yaris Cross subcompact SUV which will launch in October 2025.

Will this plug-in hybrid flex-fuel technology go into the mass production line? Toyota is still considering it. However, it is possible that this system will be used on other models in the future.