Toyota launches world's first flex-fuel car: How does the technology work?

Toyota has introduced the world's first flex-fuel engine in the Toyota Innova. This technology sets the stage for a new era in sustainable mobility, as the Innova becomes the first car globally to operate exclusively on ethanol. Flex fuel or flexible fuel, combines gasoline with ethanol or methanol. The Toyota Innova's flex-fuel engine is designed to effortlessly switch between gasoline and ethanol. 

The flex-fuel engines, tailored for the Indian market, can utilise both standard petrol and ethanol, offering consumers a wallet-friendly alternative to conventional fuel options. This innovation is not just about efficiency, but also about boosting local economies and reducing carbon footprints.

World's First Flex-Fuel Car | Image credit: X (Twitter)

What is this technology all about?

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) operate with an internal combustion engine and possess the ability to run on a combination of gasoline and ethanol, even at ethanol concentrations of up to 83 per cent. Unlike traditional gasoline-only cars, FFVs showcase a unified fuel system that shares most components with their conventional counterparts.

However, to accommodate the distinct chemical properties and energy characteristics of ethanol, certain specialised ethanol-compatible elements come into play. These modifications extend to components like the fuel pump and fuel injection system. Moreover, the engine control module (ECM), a crucial brain behind engine operations, is calibrated to embrace the elevated oxygen content found in ethanol-enhanced fuels. This integration allows FFVs to seamlessly adapt between gasoline and ethanol blends, offering a versatile and environmentally conscious driving experience.

Key components of a flex-fuel car

Battery- Powering engine ignition and vehicle electronics, the battery plays an important  role in initiating the vehicle's operation.

Electronic Control Module (ECM)- Steering the complex interplay of fuel mixture, ignition timing, and emissions systems, the ECM serves as the vehicle's regulatory hub. It not only supervises vehicle functions but also acts as a safeguard against engine misuse while diligently identifying and resolving potential issues.

Exhaust System- Effectively directing engine exhaust gases outward through the tailpipe, the exhaust system incorporates a three-way catalyst. This ingenious component contributes to the reduction of emissions within the exhaust system, promoting environmentally conscious driving.

Fuel Filler- Serving as the point of connection between the fuel dispenser's nozzle and the vehicle, the fuel filler allows seamless refuelling of the tank, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient process.

Upsides and downsides

By opting for this petrol-ethanol blend, drivers can immediately cut costs and save big on fuel expenses. Ethanol, derived from locally grown crops like sugarcane and corn, reduces the country's reliance on imported crude oil, reducing its carbon output. 
However, the blend of agriculture-sourced ethanol introduces impurities that might cause issues for even the most sophisticated engines. Ethanol's appetite for contaminants raises concerns about engine corrosion and durability. On top of that, fuel efficiency gets a shakeup. The flex-fuel engine's performance might not be as high as of that running on pure petrol, potentially denting its long-term cost-effectiveness for owners.

Yet, even with these speed bumps, the flex-fuel movement in the country is a clear pointer towards a greener future.