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Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
India's E20 fuel push leaves car owners struggling with mileage, repairs
When Rahul Vaidya noticed his 2019 Volkswagen Vento's mileage drop from a steady 11-12 kmpl to just 7-8 kmpl, he initially blamed it on traffic. Or maybe it was the age of the car, he thought. Over time, he figured that the response to a dab on the accelerator wasn't as crisp as it used to be. The ride felt heavier, and the fuel gauge continued to hover near E faster than ever. After months of living with these issues, he finally took his car to the service centre. The diagnosis was swift - his car wasn't E20-compliant. In case you have been living under a cave, the petrol now being sold across India contains 20 per cent ethanol - a formulation Vaidya's Vento wasn't designed to handle. Unless reinforced, ethanol-sensitive components like rubber seals, fuel lines and gaskets degrade and the engine, uncalibrated for this new fuel mix, underperforms. The fix: replace critical parts and recalibrate the engine. "These changes restored the performance," Vaidya said. "But I had no idea my car wasn't ready for E20 in the first place." He's not alone. Mahesh Nair, who owns a 2021 Suzuki Brezza, saw his mileage drop by more than a fifth. Jerky drives, poor pick-up, and sluggish acceleration became the norm. After much back-and-forth with mechanics, he too learned the cause - and solution. His car, though newer, needed ECU tuning and E20-compatible components to handle the new fuel. Once fixed, the issues vanished. Both Vaidya and Nair's experience points to a larger issue. India's ethanol transition is outpacing consumer awareness. And that is creating major issues for India's automobile owners, oil cos, automakers and lawmakers who are blaming each other. Simply put, one of the biggest transitions in fuel standards ever in India missed taking people along. A notchy shift As part of an ambitious ethanol-blending programme, the Indian government mandated E20 fuel availability across the country from nearly two and half years back. From April 2023, all new vehicles were required to be E20-compliant, with stricter enforcement from April 2025. But nine out of 10 cars currently on Indian roads are only E10-ready, meaning they're built to handle a maximum of 10 per cent ethanol in petrol. Mixing higher concentrations can affect their fuel efficiency, engine health and long-term reliability. And with consumer experience playing out over a period of time, that is creating discontent among car owners. Many consumers don't even know what E20 is - or whether their vehicle can handle it. "There's a glaring gap in awareness," said Naveen Soni, former president of Lexus India. "OEMs must educate car buyers. Consumers are stakeholders too. They deserve transparency." Service centres report increasing cases of rough idling, knocking engines, worn gaskets, and fuel pump failures. The fixes are usually straightforward - replacing rubber hoses and recalibrating engines - and can often be done during regular servicing. But not all technicians know what to look for, and there's no escalation protocol in place yet. With the issues consumers are facing lagging the rolling out of the fuel by a few months at the very least, attribution of the problem to the fuel is creating simmering discontent now. Right label For the average driver, the shift to E20 feels subtle - until it isn't. There's no standardised labeling at fuel pumps to indicate what blend is being dispensed. Car owners unknowingly fill up with E20, assuming it's the same petrol they've always used. But behind the scenes, the ethanol's corrosive and hygroscopic nature - it absorbs water from the air - wreaks havoc if the vehicle sits idle for long. The fuel itself doesn't help. Ethanol has around 34 per cent less energy content than petrol, meaning it naturally delivers fewer kilometers per litre. Industry executives estimate a 7 per cent efficiency drop in non-E20 vehicles, though official studies, like those from ARAI and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), claim it's only 1-6 per cent. Reji Mathai, director, ARAI says in the run up to the implementation of E20, ARAI, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil, under the directive of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) had undertaken a joint study where they picked up new and old E10 compatible vehicle mix of two and four wheelers (BS VI & BS IV) and evaluated them on E20. "The vehicles performed satisfactorily and there was a minor increase of 2 to 6 per cent in fuel consumption. The accelerated lab tests for material compatibility showed some degradation of certain plastics & elastomers that come in contact with the fuel. However, field trials showed no abnormalities." Car and two-wheeler manufacturers are walking a tightrope. Many unofficially admit that warranties may not hold if E10-designed cars use E20 fuel. Two-wheeler companies, including market leader Hero MotoCorp, have issued advisories to customers on the potential impact of the E20 fuel . "Older vehicles, manufactured prior to April 2023, may require modifications in the engine-fuel system for it to be tuned to run efficiently on E20 fuel," it said on its website. "We didn't ask for ethanol blending," said a senior executive at a major carmaker, speaking anonymously. "So why should we foot the repair bill? Rubber and plastic parts corrode, especially when the car isn't driven regularly. It's a known issue." Oil companies are adding necessary additives to address any fuel related corrosion issues, Mathai says. Brazil, the world's second-largest ethanol producer, took decades to arrive at its current "flex-fuel" success model. Ricardo de Oliveira Lima, former VP of Brazil's automotive dealers' federation, suggests India consult companies like Magneti Marelli and Bosch - pioneers in corrosion-resistant flex-fuel technology. In Brazil, ethanol is viable when priced at 70 per cent of gasoline - an equation that makes environmental and economic sense. But India isn't there yet. Win some, lose some From the government's perspective, the ethanol blending programme is a strategic win. According to MoPNG, from 2014 to 2025, ethanol blending has helped India save over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange, substitute 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 736 lakh metric tonnes - equivalent to planting 30 crore trees. But the economic alignment with agriculture and energy security - including benefits to sugarcane farmers and lower crude oil dependency - has left average consumers playing catch-up. "Earlier, sugar prices were down and farmers struggled," said Deepak Ballani, Director General of the Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association. "Today, sugar prices are up 11 per cent, and with ethanol in demand, farmers finally get better prices." MoPNG also claims that payments to farmers from ethanol alone this year will touch ₹40,000 crore, with forex savings of ₹43,000 crore. However, for existing owners, dropping mileage and rising maintenance costs are adding up. "E20 has a lower heat content than pure petrol, so a marginal drop in fuel efficiency is inevitable," said IV Rao, Distinguished Fellow at TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute). "The extent will vary by manufacturer and model, depending on how the engine is tuned, and actual mileage will still be influenced by driving style and road conditions." The ministry maintains that performance issues can be addressed via routine servicing and minor part upgrades. But for owners, it's about not being left in the dark. Bajaj Auto has shared a simple solution to keep BS3 and older motorcycles running smoothly on E20 petrol, despite ethanol's tendency to absorb moisture and cause damage to engine components. By adding 40 mL of fuel system cleaner per full tank, riders can prevent gum formation and protect parts like gaskets and butterfly walls. This cleaner is easily available at fuel stations for around ₹80-100. It's about the right to know what's going into their tanks - and what it is doing to their vehicles.>
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
India's ethanol transition: A new blend, but a bumpy ride
When Rahul Vaidya noticed his 2019 Volkswagen Vento's mileage drop from a steady 11-12 kmpl to just 7-8 kmpl, he initially blamed it on traffic. Or maybe it was the age of the car, he thought. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency Over time, he figured that the response to a dab on the accelerator wasn't as crisp as it used to be. The ride felt heavier, and the fuel gauge continued to hover near E faster than ever. After months of living with these issues, he finally took his car to the service centre. The diagnosis was swift - his car wasn't E20-compliant. In case you have been living under a cave, the petrol now being sold across India contains 20% ethanol - a formulation Vaidya's Vento wasn't designed to handle. Unless reinforced, ethanol-sensitive components like rubber seals, fuel lines and gaskets degrade and the engine, uncalibrated for this new fuel mix, underperforms. The fix: replace critical parts and recalibrate the engine. "These changes restored the performance," Vaidya said. "But I had no idea my car wasn't ready for E20 in the first place." He's not alone. Mahesh Nair, who owns a 2021 Suzuki Brezza, saw his mileage drop by more than a fifth. Jerky drives, poor pick-up, and sluggish acceleration became the norm. After much back-and-forth with mechanics, he too learned the cause - and solution. His car, though newer, needed ECU tuning and E20-compatible components to handle the new fuel. Once fixed, the issues vanished. Both Vaidya and Nair's experience points to a larger issue. India's ethanol transition is outpacing consumer awareness. And that is creating major issues for India's automobile owners, oil cos, automakers and lawmakers who are blaming each other. Simply put, one of the biggest transitions in fuel standards ever in India missed taking people along. A Notchy Shift As part of an ambitious ethanol-blending programme, the Indian government mandated E20 fuel availability across the country from nearly two and half years back. From April 2023, all new vehicles were required to be E20-compliant, with stricter enforcement from April 2025. But nine out of 10 cars currently on Indian roads are only E10-ready, meaning they're built to handle a maximum of 10% ethanol in petrol. Mixing higher concentrations can affect their fuel efficiency, engine health and long-term reliability. And with consumer experience playing out over a period of time, that is creating discontent among car owners. Many consumers don't even know what E20 is - or whether their vehicle can handle it. "There's a glaring gap in awareness," said Naveen Soni, former president of Lexus India. "OEMs must educate car buyers. Consumers are stakeholders too. They deserve transparency." Service centres report increasing cases of rough idling, knocking engines, worn gaskets, and fuel pump failures. The fixes are usually straightforward - replacing rubber hoses and recalibrating engines - and can often be done during regular servicing. But not all technicians know what to look for, and there's no escalation protocol in place yet. With the issues consumers are facing lagging the rolling out of the fuel by a few months at the very least, attribution of the problem to the fuel is creating simmering discontent now. Right Label For the average driver, the shift to E20 feels subtle - until it isn't. There's no standardised labeling at fuel pumps to indicate what blend is being dispensed. Car owners unknowingly fill up with E20, assuming it's the same petrol they've always used. But behind the scenes, the ethanol's corrosive and hygroscopic nature - it absorbs water from the air - wreaks havoc if the vehicle sits idle for long. The fuel itself doesn't help. Ethanol has around 34% less energy content than petrol, meaning it naturally delivers fewer kilometers per litre. Industry executives estimate a 7% efficiency drop in non-E20 vehicles, though official studies, like those from ARAI and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), claim it's only 1-6%. Reji Mathai, director, ARAI says in the run up to the implementation of E20, ARAI, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil, under the directive of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) had undertaken a joint study where they picked up new and old E10 compatible vehicle mix of two and four wheelers (BS VI & BS IV) and evaluated them on E20. "The vehicles performed satisfactorily and there was a minor increase of 2 to 6% in fuel consumption. The accelerated lab tests for material compatibility showed some degradation of certain plastics & elastomers that come in contact with the fuel. However, field trials showed no abnormalities." Car and two-wheeler manufacturers are walking a tightrope. Many unofficially admit that warranties may not hold if E10-designed cars use E20 fuel. Two-wheeler companies, including market leader Hero MotoCorp, have issued advisories to customers on the potential impact of the E20 fuel . "Older vehicles, manufactured prior to April 2023, may require modifications in the engine-fuel system for it to be tuned to run efficiently on E20 fuel," it said on its website. "We didn't ask for ethanol blending ," said a senior executive at a major carmaker, speaking anonymously. "So why should we foot the repair bill? Rubber and plastic parts corrode, especially when the car isn't driven regularly. It's a known issue." Oil companies are adding necessary additives to address any fuel related corrosion issues, Mathai says. Brazil, the world's second-largest ethanol producer, took decades to arrive at its current "flex-fuel" success model. Ricardo de Oliveira Lima, former VP of Brazil's automotive dealers' federation, suggests India consult companies like Magneti Marelli and Bosch - pioneers in corrosion-resistant flex-fuel technology. In Brazil, ethanol is viable when priced at 70% of gasoline - an equation that makes environmental and economic sense. But India isn't there yet. Win Some, Lose Some From the government's perspective, the ethanol blending programme is a strategic win. According to MoPNG, from 2014 to 2025, ethanol blending has helped India save over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange, substitute 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 736 lakh metric tonnes - equivalent to planting 30 crore trees. But the economic alignment with agriculture and energy security - including benefits to sugarcane farmers and lower crude oil dependency - has left average consumers playing catch-up. "Earlier, sugar prices were down and farmers struggled," said Deepak Ballani, Director General of the Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association. "Today, sugar prices are up 11%, and with ethanol in demand, farmers finally get better prices." MoPNG also claims that payments to farmers from ethanol alone this year will touch ₹40,000 crore, with forex savings of ₹43,000 crore. However, for existing owners, dropping mileage and rising maintenance costs are adding up. "E20 has a lower heat content than pure petrol, so a marginal drop in fuel efficiency is inevitable," said IV Rao, Distinguished Fellow at TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute). "The extent will vary by manufacturer and model, depending on how the engine is tuned, and actual mileage will still be influenced by driving style and road conditions." The ministry maintains that performance issues can be addressed via routine servicing and minor part upgrades. But for owners, it's about not being left in the dark. Bajaj Auto has shared a simple solution to keep BS3 and older motorcycles running smoothly on E20 petrol, despite ethanol's tendency to absorb moisture and cause damage to engine components. By adding 40 mL of fuel system cleaner per full tank, riders can prevent gum formation and protect parts like gaskets and butterfly walls. This cleaner is easily available at fuel stations for around ₹80-100. It's about the right to know what's going into their tanks - and what it is doing to their vehicles.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Lexus LX 500d deliveries commence in India
The updated Lexus LX 500d arrives with more features and a new Overtrail variant with a more rugged look Check Offers Lexus has initiated the deliveries of its luxury SUV, the new Lexus LX 500d, throughout India. The LX 500d has garnered a positive reception in the Indian market, indicating the increasing demand for luxury SUVs. Lexus presented the LX 500d at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and officially launched it in March with a starting price of ₹ 3 crore ex-showroom. Lexus India has recently introduced a flexible and unique Lexus Luxury Care service package, which includes Comfort, Relax and Premiere options that are available in 3 years / 60,000 Km or 5 years / 100,000 Km or 8 years / 160,000 Km. The newly updated Lexus LX 500d is available in two variants. The LX 500d Urban variant comes with a price tag of ₹ 3 crore, whereas the all-new LX 500d Overtrail, which is the more rugged version, is priced at ₹ 3.12 crore. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, India. The updated Lexus LX 500d arrives with more features and a new Overtrail variant with a more rugged look The 2025 Lexus LX 500d stands as the sole diesel option within the brand's offerings. This model is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 diesel engine, delivering 304 bhp at 4,000 rpm and generating a peak torque of 700 Nm between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm, and is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the SUV features four-wheel drive, Active Height Control, and an Adaptive Variable Suspension. The updates to the 2025 Lexus LX 500d feature a more extensive range of enhancements. This includes the introduction of the new Lexus Safety System +3.0 suite, which incorporates Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as a pre-collision system, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Blindspot Monitoring, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Departure Assist, auto high beam, and additional features. Furthermore, the manufacturer has introduced the new Lexus Connect Technology, which has been tailored to suit Indian conditions. This technology offers SOS call alerts and roadside assistance, as well as remote functionalities for locking/unlocking, starting/stopping the vehicle, operating power windows, immobilization, and more. Additional features include a 'find my car' function, vehicle tracking, a theft alarm, and vehicle health status updates with the latest enhancements. While the cabin layout remains unchanged, Lexus has incorporated a seat massager in the front row to provide enhanced comfort. Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India, said, 'We are truly grateful for the enthusiastic response from our guests to the new Lexus LX 500d. This sets a new benchmark in its segment and marks an important chapter for Lexus in India, reinforcing our commitment to a multipath way approach, providing a diverse range of mobility solutions that cater to the evolving lifestyles of our guests while moving towards a more sustainable tomorrow. We remain devoted to enriching our guests' ownership journey by offering exceptional products and experiences, driven by our spirit of innovation and craftsmanship." Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 11 Jun 2025, 11:56 AM IST
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Lexus begins deliveries of flagship LX 500d in India
Lexus India has officially commenced deliveries of its much-anticipated flagship SUV, the Lexus LX 500d , across the country. The model is available in two distinctive grades — Urban and the newly introduced Overtrail — offering a versatile range for city dwellers and outdoor explorers alike. 'The new Lexus LX 500d sets a new benchmark in its segment and marks an important chapter for Lexus in India,' said Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India. 'It reinforces our commitment to a multipath approach in delivering diverse mobility solutions, enriching our guests' ownership journey through innovation and craftsmanship.' Features LX 500d has a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine , delivering exhilarating performance across diverse terrains. The SUV also features Lexus Safety System +3.0 , providing advanced driver assistance and enhanced protection. In line with Lexus' focus on human-centric innovation, the LX 500d offers luxury-enhancing features like air bladder-based refresh seats, Lexus Connect telematics, and a refined, tech-enabled cabin designed for long-distance comfort. To further elevate the ownership experience, Lexus India has introduced the Lexus Luxury Care service package with flexible plans — Comfort, Relax, and Premiere — available in 3-year/60,000 km, 5-year/100,000 km, and 8-year/160,000 km options, respectively.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, May 7: Benelli TRK 502 launched, Lexus LM 350h booking reopens, major discount on Honda cars & more…
Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Given the rapid progress in the automotive sector, keeping up with developments can be challenging. However, HT Auto is committed to providing timely updates on significant changes in the industry. Below is a summary of the main highlights from Wednesday, May 7. 2025 Benelli TRK 502 launched at ₹ 6.20 lakh with new features & hardware The 2025 Benelli TRK 502 has been launched in India, bringing substantial upgrades to the middleweight adventure tourer. The 2025 Benelli TRK 502 arrives in two variants, with the TRK 502 priced at ₹ 6.20 lakh, while the TRK 502X is priced at ₹ 6.70 lakh. Both variants have seen a price hike of ₹ 35,000 compared to the older versions. Moreover, the new yellow paint scheme on the TRK 502X commands an even higher price tag of ₹ 6.85 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, India. Also Read : 2025 Benelli TRK 502 launched at ₹ 6.20 lakh with new features & hardware Lexus LM 350h bookings reopened in India. Check details Lexus India has announced the reopening of bookings for the LM 350h. The Lexus LM 350h was launched in India in March 2024. However, later in September 2024, the bookings for the luxury MPV were halted in order to cater to the existing orders amid the ongoing supply challenges. Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India, acknowledged customers' patience and ongoing interest in the LM 350h, noting that the reopening of bookings reflects the demand for the model. He said the decision also aligns with Lexus India's focus on meeting customer expectations and providing products that cater to evolving preferences for refined and distinctive mobility experiences. Also Read : Lexus LM 350h bookings reopened in India. Check details Honda Cars India offers discounts up to ₹ 76,100 in May Honda Car India has launched special promotions for most of its offerings, including the Amaze, City and Elevate models, throughout May. Honda has been offering significant discounts across its vehicle lineup every month. Which usually include a loyalty bonus, buyback offers, an exchange bonus, corporate packages and a complimentary seven-year extended warranty. Listed below is a summary of the promotions available in May for each model. Also Read : Honda Cars India offers discounts up to ₹ 76,100 in May. Check details Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, McLaren, Bentley to get more affordable as India-UK Free Trade Agreement greenlit Cars and motorcycles made in the United Kingdom are all set to get more accessible in India as both countries have greenlit the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Under the new FTA, the tariff on fully imported made-in-UK vehicles will drop from over '100 per cent' to just '10 per cent' under a quota. The India-UK FTA especially benefits British luxury automakers, including Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, Aston Martin, and McLaren, as well as two-wheeler players like BSA (owned by Classic Legends), Norton (owned by TVS) and Triumph Motorcycles. Also Read : Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, McLaren, Bentley to get more affordable as India-UK Free Trade Agreement greenlit Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 08 May 2025, 07:05 AM IST
