Maximum eco-friendliness: Toyota Prius PHEV converted to ethanol

Toyota has revealed in Brazil an unusual Prius prototype that can reduce CO₂ emissions by 90 per cent thanks to a combination of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system and an engine adapted to run on ethanol.

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Similar technology is already used in the Brazilian versions of the Corolla sedan and Corolla Cross crossover, but this is the first time it has been used for a plug-in hybrid. Toyota sees biofuels, particularly ethanol, as a realistic and affordable way to reduce emissions not only in Brazil, but also in other markets where they are prevalent.

Externally, the prototype is almost identical to the production Prius PHEV - only on the sides there are stickers indicating the "triple" fuel menu: petrol, ethanol and electricity.

The company does not disclose technical details. Probably, modifications for work on ethanol are minimal. In the standard version, the powertrain includes a 2.0-litre petrol motor, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, providing a total of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 hp DIN) on petrol.

Toyota timed the premiere of the Prius PHEV Flex Fuel to coincide with the Fenasucro Agrocana agro-industrial exhibition in Sertanzinho. The Japanese company also showed there the "ethanol" versions of the Hilux, Fortuner (SW4) and Corolla Cross. The presentation was part of an R$11.5bn (US$2.1bn) investment plan to expand production and launch new models in Brazil by 2030.

As part of this programme, the company will launch two ethanol hybrids, including the Yaris Cross compact crossover, which is scheduled to premiere in October 2025. The model will be different from the car of the same name sold in Europe and Japan, and will replicate the Indonesian version.

Toyota is not yet talking about the prospects of mass production of Prius PHEV Flex Fuel, but similar technology may appear in other models - for example, in the next generation RAV4 PHEV, which has not yet reached the Brazilian market.

Source: Carscoops