The Indian government has granted official approval for vehicles that can operate on E100 fuel, following modifications to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. This initiative aims to promote the development of flex-fuel vehicles across the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced these amendments on October 23, officially recognising E100 alongside E85 in the regulations governing fuel specifications, emission standards, and vehicle testing.

The newly revised rules provide manufacturers with a clearer framework for developing vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol blends. This regulatory clarity is expected to facilitate the introduction of engines and fuel systems capable of accommodating increased ethanol concentrations. The amendments also extend references to E85 to include E100, specifying that these fuels are to be used exclusively in vehicles that are appropriately designed and certified for flex-fuel operation.

These amendments were made following a public consultation process, during which a draft of the proposed rules was made available for 30 days in April to gather feedback. Additionally, the amendments have increased the gross vehicle weight limit from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg in relevant provisions, further broadening the scope of the regulations.

Current Vehicle Compatibility with E100

Despite the regulatory advancements, the number of vehicles that can currently utilise E100 fuel remains very limited. While India has several two-wheelers that are compatible with E85, the passenger car segment for E100 is still in its infancy. At present, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel is the only passenger vehicle in India that has been officially launched with E100 compatibility.

Other manufacturers are reportedly working on developing flex-fuel technology, but as of now, no additional E100-compatible passenger cars are available in the market. It is crucial to understand that the regulatory approval for E100-compatible vehicles does not imply that conventional petrol vehicles can use this fuel. E85 and E100 are specifically designed for vehicles that have been engineered and certified by their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for these ethanol blends.

Conventional petrol vehicles, including those that can use E20, are not permitted to use higher ethanol blends unless they are explicitly designed and certified for such use. This distinction is vital for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vehicles using these fuels.

Flex-Fuel Vehicles in the Market

The Maruti Suzuki WagonR Flex Fuel, unveiled in June, represents a significant advancement in the introduction of E100-compatible passenger cars in India. This model is engineered to operate on various blends of petrol and ethanol, ranging from E20 to E85, thereby supporting the broader adoption of ethanol as an automotive fuel. The WagonR Flex Fuel employs a modified version of Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12N petrol engine, specifically designed to handle higher ethanol concentrations.

In addition to the WagonR, several two-wheelers in India have been developed to run on E85, which contains up to 85 per cent ethanol. Notable models include the Suzuki Gixxer SF Flex Fuel, Yamaha FZ-S FI Flex Fuel, Hero Splendor+, Hero HF Deluxe, and the Honda ADV160 scooter. These vehicles illustrate that manufacturers are actively exploring the potential of higher ethanol blends across various categories.

Among these, the Honda ADV160 stands out as an E85-compatible scooter, priced at Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom). It features a 157cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 16.3 bhp and 14.9 Nm of torque, with power transmitted to the rear wheel via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, it is important to note that E85 compatibility does not equate to E100 compatibility, as the two fuels have different ethanol concentrations and require specific engineering for safe use.

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