Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Gadkari Announces Ethanol Car and Promotes Bike Taxis
Nitin Gadkari said a new Toyota Innova that can run entirely on ethanol may be launched in October.
Ethanol is a fuel that can be made from crops such as maize.
He said the car could produce electricity while it is being driven.
He also said using it could cost about the same as buying petrol for ₹25 per litre.
Gadkari claimed ethanol production has brought large payments to farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He wants more states to allow bike taxis.
He said bike taxis can help people travel short distances cheaply.
He also said these services could create jobs for many people without requiring them to make a large investment.
Nitin Gadkari said Toyota’s Innova 100% flex-fuel car is expected to launch in October.
He claimed the ethanol-powered vehicle could generate 60% electricity while running and offer fuel costs equivalent to ₹25 per litre of petrol.
Gadkari said ethanol made from maize has provided ₹45,000 crore to farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He urged states to promote bike taxis as a low-cost travel option and source of employment.
Gadkari said bike-taxi platforms could create jobs for up to 10 crore people, while claiming Rapido had provided employment to 3.5 crore people.
- Who
- Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Toyota, farmers, and bike-taxi platforms are involved in the statements described.
- What
- Gadkari announced an expected 100% ethanol-powered Toyota Innova launch and called for greater promotion of bike taxis.
- When
- Gadkari said the vehicle launch is expected in October; no year was specified.
- Where
- The statements concern India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengaluru, and other states.
- Why
- Gadkari said ethanol could support farmers and reduce pollution, while bike taxis could provide low-cost transport and employment.
- Proposed vehicle
- Toyota Innova designed to run on 100% flex fuel, according to Gadkari.
- Expected launch
- October; the year was not specified.
- Electricity claim
- Gadkari said the vehicle would generate 60% electricity while running.
- Fuel-cost comparison
- He compared its use with petrol priced at ₹25 per litre.
- Farmer benefit
- Gadkari said maize-based ethanol provided ₹45,000 crore to farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Potential bike-taxi employment
- He said bike-taxi services could provide employment to 10 crore people in India.
- Platform fee
- Gadkari said some platforms charge ₹25 per month.