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Carmakers on E20: No engine damage, but mileage drops Vehicle manufacturers are defending the government's mandatory 20% ethanol blending in petrol, assuring the public that no engine damage has been observed. While acknowledging a slight drop in fuel efficiency for older vehicles due to lower calorific value, industry leaders state field experience has been positive. Discussions are ongoing with the government regarding flex-fuel vehicles as a future pathway.

E20 debate explained: Mileage loss, engine concerns and what's next Automobile majors are backing the government's mandatory 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20), despite consumer concerns about mileage drops and potential material degradation in older vehicles. While official studies suggest minimal impact, vehicle owners report noticeable fuel efficiency losses. The controversy intensifies as India achieved its E20 target early, with speculation rising about even higher blending levels, prompting calls for consumer choice regarding fuel options.

Automakers ramp up flex fuel development ahead of new CAFE rules ... All News English Ethanol News Must Read Articles Top News Trendings Several major automakers, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), and Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), are ramping up efforts on flex fuel, following a recent statement by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari indicated that the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) regulations would offer equal consideration to both electric vehicles (EVs) and flex fuel vehicles. The new CAFE 3 norms, set to take effect in April 2027, will extend regulatory incentives to flex fuel vehicles that run on petrol-ethanol blends, similar to those granted to EVs, reported The Times of India. Flex fuel vehicles use a mix of petrol and ethanol, ranging from 20% to 100% ethanol. Gadkari’s remarks follow a previous meeting with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), where he encouraged the industry to make flex fuel vehicles more appealing to Indian consumers, drawing inspiration from Brazil’s successful adoption of ethanol-based fuels. At the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, automaker…

Is E20 fuel safe for your vehicle? Here's what experts say Concerns surrounding E20 ethanol-blended petrol are being addressed by industry experts, who assure its safety for all vehicles, including older models. Years of rigorous scientific testing and consultations with automakers have confirmed its efficacy. This nationwide rollout aims to significantly reduce India's reliance on crude oil imports, offering a more sustainable and secure energy future while maintaining vehicle performance and environmental benefits.

Govt proposes E85, E100 fuels post E20 rollout; 20-billion litre ... ADVERTISEMENT India is moving beyond its E20 milestone, with the government proposing draft amendments to formally introduce E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (near-pure ethanol) fuels into the automotive ecosystem. The move comes weeks after the nationwide rollout of E20 on April 1, 2026, and is aimed at unlocking utilisation of the country’s 20-billion-litre ethanol production capacity, nearly double the current domestic demand of around 10 billion litres—marking the next phase of the country’s ethanol strategy. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH's) draft notification seeks to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to incorporate higher ethanol blends, standardise fuel classifications and update emission-testing norms. The proposal is open for public comments for 30 days, after which a final framework will be notified. At the core of the draft is the formal inclusion of E85 and E100 within the fuel framework, alongside a broader overhaul of alternative fuel definitions. Petrol classification is proposed to be standardised beyond the current E10/E20 nomenclature, while biodiesel references are set …

Flex fuel and electric to sit at the same table in CAFÉ 3: Nitin ... The Centre is working on balancing regulations under the third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ 3) norms to encourage customer adoption of flex fuel and electric vehicles , minister for road, transport & highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari said. This will help rein in crude imports and vehicular emissions. While CAFÉ norms have so far been skewed in favour of electric vehicles, the upcoming regulations will take into account the contribution of flex fuel and battery technologies in its new avatar. Flex fuel refers to blends, such as ethanol and petrol. “The old CAFÉ norms were electric centric,” Gadkari said at an ET Roundtable on Thursday. “The new CAFÉ 3 norms will balance both electric and flexi fuel engines.” A high-level meeting of top officials from the ministry of road transport and highways and ministry of power as well as the principal scientific adviser was held on Wednesday to firm up the norms. Live Events The minister had called for consultations with industry stakeholders earlier this month on the matter. CAFÉ 3 regulatory norms are set to come into effect from April 2027. A car’s C…

Govt Drafts E85, E100 Rollout: Flex-Fuel Era to Transform Indian Roads Updated 29 April 2026 at 13:35 IST The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a landmark draft notification to formally incorporate E85 and E100 ethanol blends into the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. This regulatory leap aims to reduce India’s 90% dependence on oil imports by transitioning from the current E20 standard to high-concentration ethanol. Shourya Jha Republic Business 2 min read Follow : Govt Drafts E85, E100 Rollout | Image: Unsplash India is shifting its ethanol story. Late Tuesday, the government issued draft rules to formally introduce E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (nearly pure ethanol) into the fuel mix. The move is the next phase of India’s energy strategy after achieving the nationwide E20 rollout on April 1, 2026. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has long talked about homegrown fuel to insulate the Indian economy from West Asia’s energy volatility. The draft notification updates technical fuel categories. It adds E85 and E100 to the regulatory framework. The government is also upgrading biodiesel references from B10 to B100. This means a total overhaul of alternative fuel stan…

India Wants 100% Ethanol Fuel: Can E100 Really Replace Crude Oil? India’s fuel transition story has moved from a cautious experiment to an aggressive national strategy. After achieving the 20% ethanol blending milestone ahead of the original 2030 timeline, the government is now preparing the next big step: higher ethanol blends such as E85 and E100, backed by flex-fuel vehicles and dedicated ethanol dispensing stations. The idea is powerful: reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, cut emissions, create a new revenue stream for farmers, and keep more fuel money within the domestic economy. But the central question remains — can India realistically replace petrol with 100% ethanol fuel? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. India’s ethanol fuel journey is moving beyond E20 toward E85 and E100. This Auto Punditz infographic explains the benefits, challenges and future of flex-fuel vehicles in India. What is E100 fuel? Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from biomass such as sugarcane, maize, surplus rice, damaged grains and other agricultural feedstocks. In petrol pumps, the “E” number indicates the percentage of ethanol in the fuel. E20 means 20% ethanol…

E20 fuel debate heats up as owners raise red flags As the Centre vigorously defends India's ethanol-blending programme, a growing number of vehicle owners — particularly those driving older and vintage vehicles — say key concerns about engine safety, maintenance costs and long-term reliability remain unanswered. In the march from E20 to E85 and even E100 being bandied about, many also point out that they have had little choice but to adapt to the transition. While the government is promoting flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends, such models remain scarce and are available only as new purchases. Millions of owners of existing cars and two-wheelers, particularly those manufactured before 2023, cannot simply switch to flex-fuel vehicles and must continue using E20 petrol in vehicles that were not originally designed for it. The government's latest clarification comes amid mounting debate over E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing 20 per cent ethanol. While the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has dismissed claims linking E20 fuel to insurance complications or widespread engine failures, many motorists argue that the absence of reported problems does no…

Understanding India's New Flex Fuel Norms: Implications for Drivers and ... India’s government has approved new regulations for 100% ethanol (E100) fuel, a move that is set to reshape the automotive landscape and consumer costs across the nation. According to The Hindu, the policy aims to promote renewable energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, analysts note that the transition will require significant adjustments from both consumers and the automotive industry. The introduction of E100 fuel is expected to lead to higher costs for consumers purchasing flex-fuel vehicles. The Hindu reports that flex-fuel vehicles may experience lower mileage compared to traditional gasoline vehicles, affecting overall fuel efficiency. This could result in increased operating costs for drivers, particularly in urban areas where fuel expenses are already a significant portion of household budgets. Analysts caution that the initial investment in flex-fuel vehicles may not be offset by long-term savings, given the current infrastructure and fuel pricing dynamics. The shift to E100 aligns with India’s renewable energy goals, as ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to conventi…

What is Flex Fuel Vehicles in India 2026 Complete Guide Flex fuel vehiclesare no longer a concept sitting in auto show halls, they are India's boldest, most practical answer to rising fuel prices, crude oil dependency, and emission targets in 2026. India's automotive market, which sold over 42 lakh passenger vehicles last year, is still almost entirely powered by imported petrol. That equation is about to change. With a nationwide E20 mandate already in force and draft rules for E85 fuel on the table, flex fuel vehicles are entering Indian roads at the exact right moment. This guide breaks down exactly what flex fuel vehicles mean in India's 2026 landscape, how they work, which models are launching, and whether one makes financial and practical sense for you. A Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) operates through an internal combustion engine that accepts petrol and ethanol and all possible mixtures between these two fuels which includeE20and E85 and E100 as valid operating options. An FFV differs from a conventional petrol vehicle because it has built better equipment. Your vehicles' ECUs will automatically run your vehicles well no manual intervention will be required from the driver, s…

E100: How India’s new flex fuel norms affect your vehicle and wallet | Business Matters The government has approved rules for 100% ethanol (E100) fuel. What does this mean for motorists? From higher car costs to lower mileage, here’s a simple breakdown of flex-fuel vehicles, costs, and impact on your everyday driving.

'Ethanol blending done on scientific evidence, extensive testing ... Industry experts and automobile manufacturers on Saturday sought to dispel concerns over the use of E20 ethanol-blended petrol, asserting that the fuel has undergone extensive scientific testing, is safe for both new and older vehicles, and will play a crucial role in strengthening India's energy security, supporting farmers and reducing carbon emissions. Addressing a press conference, experts said India's ethanol blending programme was implemented through a phased, science-based approach involving extensive consultations with automakers, testing agencies and other stakeholders before its nationwide rollout. They said the country achieved its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by December 2025 - five years ahead of schedule. Former Engineers India Limited Chairman and Managing Director Vartika Shukla said the E20 programme was the outcome of years of scientific evaluation rather than a sudden policy decision. "This ethanol blending in petrol has not been done overnight, it is a measured, scientifically driven step-by-step process," she said. Shukla said ethanol blending in petrol increased from …