Latest news with #E20-ready
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
E20 petrol rollout: Benefits, concerns, and things to keep in mind
India has moved faster than expected in rolling out E20 petrol , fuel that contains 20% ethanol blended with 80% petrol. Initially targeted for 2030, E20 is now available nationwide. However, the transition has also stirred unease among motorists worried about vehicle compatibility and long-term performance. Here, let's discuss the benefits, concerns and key things about E20 blending. Why E20 matters Ethanol blending is not new to India, but scaling it up to 20% offers bigger economic and environmental rewards. Ethanol is largely produced from sugarcane and grains, meaning farmers stand to benefit directly. In fact, in 2025 alone, the government estimates that E20 will bring foreign exchange savings of nearly Rs 43,000 crore and generate close to Rs 40,000 crore in income for farmers. Volvo EX30 Review: Is the smallest Volvo worth buying? | TOI Auto From an environmental standpoint, the gains are equally significant. E20 emits less pollutants compared to standard petrol. The Petroleum Ministry claims carbon emissions could fall by up to 30% when compared to E10. For newer E20-compatible vehicles, ethanol's higher octane might even translate into better performance. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also highlighted ethanol's advantages, such as higher octane levels (108.5 compared to petrol's 84.4) that help reduce knocking and improve combustion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Last Chance: 80% Off This Artisan's Retirement Jewelry Sale The Heritage Journal Read More Undo Concerns from motorists Lately, consumers have raised several concerns around the use of E20 fuel. One of them being dropped fuel efficiency . Does it happen? Yes. Ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol, which means engines need to burn more of it to produce the same output. The result is a small but noticeable drop in fuel efficiency: typically 5-7% for most modern cars, though some owners of older vehicles have reported mileage drops of up to 20%. Besides that, in vehicles not designed for higher blends, it can damage rubber seals, and other related parts; however, these aren't very costly parts. Older BS3 and BS4 models are particularly vulnerable. As for performance, users might also experience a slight drop in performance but it shouldn't be a concern for newer cars as they are tuned for E20 compatibility. Authorities stress that the rollout is part of India's clean-energy transition and describe E20 as a 'bridge fuel' until electric mobility becomes mainstream. What drivers should keep in mind If you own a car made after April 2023, chances are it is already E20-ready. Newer BS6 Phase 2 models are largely compatible with the blend. Owners of older cars, however, should check their vehicle manuals or consult manufacturers before filling up with E20. Regular servicing, ethanol-compatible parts, and monitoring performance changes are recommended to minimize issues.
India Today
5 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
E20 fuel in India: Your key questions answered
As India pushes ahead with its ethanol blending programme, E20 fuel, a mix of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol is being introduced nationwide. While the government touts environmental and economic gains, motorists, especially those with older vehicles, may be in for some ethanol making petrol cheaper?Despite expectations, ethanol blending has not reduced fuel prices at the pump. The Indian Oil Ministry notes that while ethanol was once cheaper than petrol, procurement costs have now risen. The current weighted average price of ethanol is higher than petrol, meaning the E20 rollout has not translated into consumer gains?Ethanol's higher octane rating offers better combustion and allows engines to run higher compression ratios, potentially boosting performance. Newer engines designed for E20 can take advantage of this, and even older engines might see torque gains if ignition timing is advanced. However, this comes at the cost of slightly lower fuel efficiency due to ethanol's lower energy drop in real-world use? Government testing suggests a 1–2 per cent efficiency drop with E20 in compatible engines, but older vehicles could see a 3–6 per cent decline. In real-world driving conditions, especially in older cars calibrated for E10 or lower blends, mileage losses could be more noticeable, increasing running wear and tear on older engines?Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, making it more corrosive than petrol. Over time, E20 can degrade fuel pumps, injectors, rubber seals, and gaskets, especially in humid or coastal regions. The government admits that some older vehicles may require replacement of rubber components after 20,000–30,000km, adding to maintenance maintenance?Older vehicles running on E20 may need more frequent servicing, particularly fuel system cleaning and injector maintenance. While additives can offer short-term relief, they do not resolve long-term compatibility your car warranty get affected?While most manufacturers have not spoken up about it, some have shown concerns. Some on the other hand have said that they might spruce up the vehicle to make it fit for E20 at a bigger pictureSince 2014–15, India's ethanol blending programme has saved over Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing petrol imports. Farmers have received over Rs 1.20 lakh crore in payments for ethanol feedstock, boosting rural employment and newer, E20-ready vehicles, the transition should be smooth, with possible performance benefits. However, owners of older vehicles may face higher running costs, reduced efficiency, and increased wear over time. E20 may make India's roads marginally greener but it could also leave some motorists' wallets to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Ethanol blending in petrol won't void your insurance policy, gives better acceleration, doesn't affect mileage: Govt on E20
Synopsis The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas asserts that E20 fuel enhances acceleration and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to E10, with minimal impact on mileage. Dismissing concerns about insurance validity, the ministry highlights the program's benefits, including reduced crude oil imports, increased farmer incomes, and significant CO₂ emission reductions. Agencies Ethanol Blending Petrol The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) improves acceleration, lowers carbon emissions, and does not significantly impact mileage. It also dismissed concerns that E20 use could void vehicle insurance, calling such claims 'totally baseless' and the result of a misinterpreted social media post. The ministry stated that E20 offers 'better acceleration, better ride quality and most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30% as compared to E10 fuel.' With a higher octane number of about 108.5 versus petrol's 84.4, ethanol-blended fuels are suited for modern high-compression engines. 'Vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration which is a very important factor in city driving conditions,' the statement said. Ethanol's higher heat of vaporisation also cools the intake manifold, increasing air-fuel mixture density and boosting volumetric efficiency. Claims that E20 causes a 'drastic' drop in fuel efficiency are misplaced, the ministry said. Mileage depends on several factors beyond fuel type, including driving habits, regular maintenance, tyre condition, and air conditioning usage. Research by Indian Oil Corporation, the Automotive Research Association of India, and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers shows that any efficiency drop in compatible vehicles is marginal. Some models have been E20-ready since 2009. The ministry rejected suggestions that using E20 fuel could lead to insurance claims being denied. 'This fear mongering is totally baseless and has been clarified by an insurance company whose tweet screenshot was deliberately misinterpreted to create fear and confusion. Usage of E20 fuel has no impact of the validity of insurance of vehicles in India,' it said. It added that authorised service stations are available to support vehicle owners who believe their vehicles may need tuning or parts replacement for optimum performance. Beyond performance, the ethanol blending programme reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cuts crude oil imports, and increases farmer incomes. From 2014-15 to July 2025, blending by public sector oil companies saved over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange and avoided about 736 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The government's current roadmap keeps E20 in place until October 31, 2026. Any move beyond will follow consultation with automakers, ethanol producers, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders. The ministry said biofuels and natural gas are 'India's bridge fuels' and part of the country's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. A NITI Aayog study found that greenhouse gas emissions from sugarcane-based ethanol are 65% lower than petrol, while maize-based ethanol reduces emissions by 50%. The programme, according to the ministry, has also supported the rural economy by clearing sugarcane arrears and making maize cultivation more viable. 'With the Ethanol blending programme, money which was earlier spent on crude oil imports is now going to our farmers who have become 'Urjadaatas' apart from being 'Annadatas',' the statement said. From 2014-15 to July 2025, blending by public sector oil marketing companies saved over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange, replaced about 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and cut CO₂ emissions by about 736 lakh metric tonnes — equivalent to planting 30 crore trees. This year, at 20% blending, farmers are expected to receive around ₹40,000 crore, while forex savings may reach ₹43,000 crore. Concerns over mileage loss, the ministry said, had been anticipated and studied as early as 2020 by an inter-ministerial committee of NITI Aayog, with research support from IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM. It said E20 offers better acceleration, improved ride quality, and about 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10. The ministry highlighted ethanol's higher octane number of about 108.5 versus petrol's 84.4, adding that vehicles tuned for E20 'deliver better acceleration which is a very important factor in city driving conditions.' The claim that E20 drastically reduces fuel efficiency was rejected, with officials noting that mileage depends on multiple factors, including driving habits, maintenance, and tyre condition. You Might Also Like: Ethanol has become pricier than petrol: Oil ministry Discussions with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and major automakers found that some vehicles have been E20-compatible since 2009, making efficiency loss negligible in such cases. The ministry said Brazil runs successfully on E27 fuel 'with zero issues,' using the same automakers that sell in India. E20 meets BIS specifications and automotive industry standards. For older vehicles, some rubber parts and gaskets may need earlier replacement, which the ministry described as inexpensive and manageable during routine servicing. The ministry said ethanol was cheaper than petrol when a 2020-21 NITI Aayog report was prepared, but procurement prices have since risen. The current average ethanol cost for 2024-25 is ₹71.32 per litre, higher than refined petrol, yet the government continues blending to support energy security, farmers' incomes, and environmental goals. It also dismissed claims that E20 affects vehicle insurance validity, calling such fears 'totally baseless' and citing a misinterpreted tweet as the source of confusion.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ethanol blending in petrol won't void your insurance policy, gives better acceleration, doesn't affect mileage: Govt on E20
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) improves acceleration, lowers carbon emissions, and does not significantly impact mileage. It also dismissed concerns that E20 use could void vehicle insurance, calling such claims 'totally baseless' and the result of a misinterpreted social media post. E20 offers better acceleration The ministry stated that E20 offers 'better acceleration, better ride quality and most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30% as compared to E10 fuel.' With a higher octane number of about 108.5 versus petrol's 84.4, ethanol-blended fuels are suited for modern high-compression engines. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program 'Vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration which is a very important factor in city driving conditions,' the statement said. Ethanol's higher heat of vaporisation also cools the intake manifold, increasing air-fuel mixture density and boosting volumetric efficiency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors are going crazy for these comfy, stylish, easy-on shoes Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo Mileage concerns addressed Claims that E20 causes a 'drastic' drop in fuel efficiency are misplaced, the ministry said. Mileage depends on several factors beyond fuel type, including driving habits, regular maintenance, tyre condition, and air conditioning usage. Research by Indian Oil Corporation , the Automotive Research Association of India, and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers shows that any efficiency drop in compatible vehicles is marginal. Some models have been E20-ready since 2009. Insurance validity unchanged The ministry rejected suggestions that using E20 fuel could lead to insurance claims being denied. 'This fear mongering is totally baseless and has been clarified by an insurance company whose tweet screenshot was deliberately misinterpreted to create fear and confusion. Usage of E20 fuel has no impact of the validity of insurance of vehicles in India,' it said. Live Events You Might Also Like: Govt says 20% ethanol blended petrol doesn't have any negative impact on older vehicles It added that authorised service stations are available to support vehicle owners who believe their vehicles may need tuning or parts replacement for optimum performance. Broader benefits and future roadmap Beyond performance, the ethanol blending programme reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cuts crude oil imports, and increases farmer incomes. From 2014-15 to July 2025, blending by public sector oil companies saved over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange and avoided about 736 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The government's current roadmap keeps E20 in place until October 31, 2026. Any move beyond will follow consultation with automakers, ethanol producers, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders. Ethanol blending as a transition fuel The ministry said biofuels and natural gas are 'India's bridge fuels' and part of the country's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. A NITI Aayog study found that greenhouse gas emissions from sugarcane-based ethanol are 65% lower than petrol, while maize-based ethanol reduces emissions by 50%. You Might Also Like: E20 Petrol does not cause drastic drop in fuel efficiency, even improves engine performance: Petroleum Ministry The programme, according to the ministry, has also supported the rural economy by clearing sugarcane arrears and making maize cultivation more viable. 'With the Ethanol blending programme, money which was earlier spent on crude oil imports is now going to our farmers who have become 'Urjadaatas' apart from being 'Annadatas',' the statement said. From 2014-15 to July 2025, blending by public sector oil marketing companies saved over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange, replaced about 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and cut CO₂ emissions by about 736 lakh metric tonnes — equivalent to planting 30 crore trees. This year, at 20% blending, farmers are expected to receive around ₹40,000 crore, while forex savings may reach ₹43,000 crore. Performance and fuel efficiency Concerns over mileage loss, the ministry said, had been anticipated and studied as early as 2020 by an inter-ministerial committee of NITI Aayog, with research support from IOCL, ARAI, and SIAM. It said E20 offers better acceleration, improved ride quality, and about 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10. The ministry highlighted ethanol's higher octane number of about 108.5 versus petrol's 84.4, adding that vehicles tuned for E20 'deliver better acceleration which is a very important factor in city driving conditions.' The claim that E20 drastically reduces fuel efficiency was rejected, with officials noting that mileage depends on multiple factors, including driving habits, maintenance, and tyre condition. You Might Also Like: Ethanol has become pricier than petrol: Oil ministry Vehicle readiness and global examples Discussions with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and major automakers found that some vehicles have been E20-compatible since 2009, making efficiency loss negligible in such cases. The ministry said Brazil runs successfully on E27 fuel 'with zero issues,' using the same automakers that sell in India. E20 meets BIS specifications and automotive industry standards. For older vehicles, some rubber parts and gaskets may need earlier replacement, which the ministry described as inexpensive and manageable during routine servicing. Pricing and consumer concerns The ministry said ethanol was cheaper than petrol when a 2020-21 NITI Aayog report was prepared, but procurement prices have since risen. The current average ethanol cost for 2024-25 is ₹71.32 per litre, higher than refined petrol, yet the government continues blending to support energy security, farmers' incomes, and environmental goals. It also dismissed claims that E20 affects vehicle insurance validity, calling such fears 'totally baseless' and citing a misinterpreted tweet as the source of confusion.
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Business Standard
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
E20 petrol won't affect fuel efficiency, may boost performance, says govt
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected reports suggesting that E20 petrol -- fuel blended with 20 per cent ethanol -- leads to a reduction in fuel efficiency. In a social media post, the ministry stated that such claims are factually incorrect and lack support from scientific research. It explained that although ethanol possesses a lower energy density than petrol, the effect on mileage is minimal. What is E20 petrol? E20 petrol is a mixture comprising 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Ethanol is a type of alcohol-based fuel commonly produced from crops such as sugarcane. While latest vehicles are designed to handle such fuel blends, most older vehicles in India are typically configured for E10 petrol, which contains 10 per cent ethanol. The clarification from the ministry comes amid a recent survey, which indicated that a majority of Indian petrol vehicle owners are opposed to the government's mandate on E20 petrol. The survey received more than 36,000 responses from petrol vehicle owners across 315 districts. According to the findings, two out of three owners of vehicles bought in 2022 or earlier reported a decline in fuel efficiency in 2025 compared to previous years. No major issues with legacy vehicles "Material compatibility tests by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and Indian Oil Corporation have confirmed that legacy vehicles also showed no significant variations, performance issues or abnormal wear-and-tear when operated with E20. Moreover, E20 fuel passed hot and cold tests without any engine damage," the ministry said. Marginal drop in efficiency, offset by new tech The ministry noted that for vehicles originally designed for E10 petrol but calibrated for E20, fuel efficiency may decline by 1 to 2 per cent. In other vehicles, the drop may be in the range of 3 to 6 per cent. However, this reduction can be further minimised through improved engine tuning and the use of E20-compatible components, which have already been adopted by leading automobile manufacturers. SIAM confirms availability of E20-ready vehicles The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has confirmed that vehicles designed to comply with E20 fuel standards, equipped with upgraded components, have been in operation on Indian roads since April 2023, the ministry said. E20-tuned vehicles deliver enhanced performance: Ministry The ministry also highlighted ethanol's role in enhancing vehicle performance. Ethanol has a higher octane rating (108.5) compared to petrol (84.4), which contributes to improved engine performance and better ride quality in newer vehicles. It added that vehicles specifically tuned for E20 petrol demonstrate even greater performance levels. Ethanol's higher heat of vaporisation reduces the temperature within the intake manifold, thereby increasing the density of the air-fuel mixture and enhancing engine efficiency.
