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New Delhi: India is witnessing a new phase in its clean mobility journey as E85 fuel is rolled out in Delhi. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Union Railway, Natural Resources and Public Power Projects (RPPE), inaugurated the first E85 fuel dispensing station at an Indian Oil outlet on the Pusa Road, which has been the first high ethanol fuel commercial rollout in India.
The new-found fuel, E85, is priced at ₹82.12 per litre in Delhi, which is around ₹20 cheaper than E20 petrol (at ₹102.12 per litre). The goal of the move is to give the automotive industry more momentum to help increase uptake of flex-fuel vehicles, as well as their adoption by consumers.
E85 is a “mixed” fuel (85% ethanol and 15% petrol). E85 is a 20% more ethanol blend for use compared to E20 fuel, which is 20% ethanol. The shift is being done to offset reliance on imported raw materials and is also contributing to cleaner transport and increasing production in India.
E85 fuel cannot, however, be used in conventional petrol cars. It can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are equipped with specially adapted engines and fuel systems that can accept higher ethanol concentrations. Fuelled with E85, some vehicles (which are not designed to use such fuel) can experience performance problems and harm to the engine system.
Promoting flex fuel in India is just in its beginning phase. Major companies such as Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp are already assembling flexfuel car makers that are fuel-lenders. Over the years, a number of established manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp have already started to manufacture fuel-leaner flex-fuel models. Proudly announced Maruti Suzuki has come with WagonR Flex Fuel. Moreover, Hero MotoCorp has announced flex fuel variants variant of Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe motorcycle as well. These motorcycles can be fueled with E85. Flex-fuel vehicles are what Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp are focusing on. They make flex-fuel vehicles like WagonR Fuel Line Flex Fuel, flex fuel motorbikes like the HFO fuel line coach and flex fuel Splendor+ available. The flexible or what can be described as ‘what will be’ fuel vehicles are ready to be big. Companies, like Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp, are leading the way.
The government has large plans for spreading out E85 fuel as well. This first phase will include some of the areas in the Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The goal is to have nearly 500 ethanol fueling stations up and running by the end of 2026 and nearly 5,000 fueling stations in the nation by 2027.
In addition to EVs, CNG and hybrid, experts believe E85 may be one of the key components to India’s fuel mix in the future. Although it will rely heavily on the availability of fuel and the willingness of consumers to use it, the introduction marks a major milestone in creating a safer and more environmentally friendly transportation system in the country.
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