This Toyota Prius Can Reduce Emissions By As Much As 90% Thanks To An Innovative Technique | Carscoops

      The plug-in hybrid powertrain in this Prius prototype has the ability to operate on both ethanol and gasoline.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The Prius PHEV flex-fuel prototype presents an innovative method for vehicle decarbonization.

      It combines plug-in hybrid technology with an engine that is compatible with both ethanol and gasoline.

      When charged and using ethanol, this configuration can decrease CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.

      A new evolution for the Prius is emerging in Brazil, where Toyota has unveiled a prototype that integrates plug-in hybrid technology with a flex-fuel engine that can utilize gasoline and ethanol. The company claims that this combination can lower CO2 emissions by as much as 90 percent when the battery is fully charged and the engine operates on ethanol.

      Additionally, the Brazilian range of the brand already includes flex-fuel hybrid variants of the locally-produced Corolla sedan and Corolla Cross SUV. This is the first instance where Toyota has applied a similar method to a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The automaker views biofuels like ethanol as a viable, short-term solution for reducing emissions not only in Brazil but also in other regions where ethanol is readily accessible.

      Same Design, New Engine

      Visually, the prototype closely resembles a standard Prius PHEV, distinguished only by a few unique decals along the sides that indicate its tri-energy system of gasoline, ethanol, and electricity.

      Toyota has not disclosed specific technical specifications, but the changes necessary for ethanol compatibility are likely to be minimal. The plug-in hybrid configuration integrates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric drive motor, and a lithium-ion battery, generating a combined output of 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS) when operating on gasoline.

      The Prius PHEV flex-fuel concept is showcased at the Fenasucro & Agrocana trade show in Sertãozinho, Brazil, alongside flex-fuel versions of the Hilux, Fortuner (SW4), and Corolla Cross. This follows Toyota's recent commitment to invest R$ 11.5 billion (US$2.1 billion) in Brazil by 2030, aimed at enhancing local production and developing new mobility solutions.

      As part of that initiative, the company plans to manufacture two flex-fuel hybrid models in Brazil, with one being the Yaris Cross subcompact SUV slated for a local release in October 2025. This variant will be based on the Indonesian model, which varies from the similarly named SUV offered in Europe and Japan.

      It remains to be seen whether this plug-in hybrid flex-fuel system will progress beyond the prototype phase. It could potentially be integrated into the current Prius PHEV or make its way into future iterations such as the forthcoming RAV4 PHEV, which has yet to be introduced in Brazil.