by Toyota’s New Approach to Ecology
In Brazil, Toyota has introduced a Prius PHEV prototype with a hybrid system that can run on both gasoline and ethanol. This technology allows for a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 90% if the car is charged and uses ethanol. The company believes that biofuels, such as ethanol, are a practical solution for reducing emissions in regions where they are widely available.
Externally, the prototype is almost indistinguishable from a regular Prius PHEV, except for small stickers indicating its tri-energy system. Technical details have not yet been disclosed, but it is known that the hybrid setup includes a 2.0-liter engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery, which together produce 220 hp when running on gasoline.
Development Prospects
This concept was presented at the Fenasucro & Agrocana exhibition in Brazil alongside other Toyota models with flexible fuel capabilities. The company plans to invest significant funds in the Brazilian market by 2030, including for the production of two hybrid models that run on ethanol. One of them will be the Yaris Cross, which will hit the local market in 2025.
It is not yet known if this technology will move beyond the prototype stage, but it could be implemented in future models, such as the anticipated next-generation RAV4 PHEV. Toyota continues to experiment with different approaches to reducing its carbon footprint, demonstrating flexibility in the search for optimal solutions for different markets.
