After years of selling hybrid cars with flexible technology in Brazil, Toyota is preparing for the next step, announcing the start of testing of its plug-in hybrid unit capable of running on ethanol. The Japanese manufacturer also confirmed that it intends to produce cars with the system in the country, as part of its investment plan over the next five years.
Toyota said initial tests are being carried out with the RAV4 in the laboratory company in Brazil based on the hybrid system used by the Corolla and Corolla Cross. This installation uses a 1.8 engine in combination with an electrified transmission, providing a power of 122 hp, and a battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh. This is a big difference from the 2.5-litre 306bhp unit used in the RAV4Prime, which still has an 18.1kWh battery.
“Assuming the flexible hybrid has one of the highest offsetting and reabsorption potentials for CO2 emissions generated from the start of the sugarcane ethanol cycle, due to its availability in feed pumps and its combustion in the combustion process in a car. — said Rafael Chang, President of Toyota do Brasil.
The executive notes that national production of this system will also strengthen the supply chain, which will have a positive impact on the entire Brazilian auto industry.
PHEV technology is currently used in RAV4 and Prius, but the company intends to introduce it in and in other models of the brand in the coming years.
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