In the ongoing discussion regarding the effects of higher ethanol blends on vehicle performance, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, acknowledged that the lower calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol could lead to a decrease in average mileage as the ethanol concentration in fuel rises. However, he emphasized that the overall impact on mileage would likely be minimal in most situations, as he conveyed during an interview with The Indian Express.
Gadkari dismissed claims circulating on social media about vehicle damage attributed to ethanol blends, labeling them as exaggerated and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign. He mentioned that the E20 blend, which consists of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, was rolled out across the country last year following comprehensive tests conducted by the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and vehicle manufacturers.
The minister acknowledged that while there may be slight effects on certain components in older vehicles, manufacturers have been directed to replace these parts during regular servicing. “I challenge anyone to present evidence of a single vehicle that has been damaged due to E20 fuel. The narratives shared online are simply misleading,” he asserted.
Addressing the mileage concerns, Gadkari pointed out that while the difference in calorific value between ethanol and petrol is factual, mileage is also influenced by driving conditions, particularly in congested cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where vehicles often operate in lower gears. He referred to the ARAI report indicating that vehicles designed with flex-fuel engines do not experience efficiency issues, which is why efforts are being made to promote flex-engine technology.
In reference to urban driving scenarios, he explained that frequent stops and starts in traffic significantly impact speed and performance. “In heavy traffic, your pace rarely exceeds 40-50 kilometers per hour, but maintaining a steady speed of 100 kilometers per hour could yield different results,” he said.
Regarding allegations of engine damage, Gadkari revealed that he had instructed manufacturers to investigate these claims and found that adulterated fuel was often the cause.
He noted that advancements had been made with flex engines, particularly in terms of material durability. For older vehicles undergoing servicing, the ministry has mandated that manufacturers replace outdated metal washers with rubber ones at no additional cost to consumers. Gadkari stated, “To my knowledge, no vehicles have broken down due to these changes. Ethanol has been shown to enhance performance, providing superior anti-knocking properties and a higher octane rating. I have been an advocate for ethanol as a viable alternative since 2004.”
With the introduction of flex-fuel technology, he mentioned that numerous companies, including Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, Toyota Kirloskar, and Maruti Suzuki, are preparing to launch flex-fuel models. He cited Brazil’s long-standing use of a 27% ethanol-petrol blend since 1970, with manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai producing flex-fuel vehicles without issues. “Our aim is to offer the public various fuel blends at different price points, especially since ethanol is approximately priced at Rs 75 per liter,” he explained to The Indian Express. He also highlighted that hybrid flex-fuel vehicles achieve efficiency improvements due to their electric components, which help conserve energy in batteries.
Gadkari remarked on the ongoing West Asian crisis, underscoring the necessity to explore alternatives to fossil fuel imports. He pointed out a collaboration between Ashok Leyland and the Karnataka State Corporation, which successfully operated 25 buses using a 15% methanol-diesel blend for three months without difficulties. Following this, Ashok Leyland developed a specialized methanol engine for trucks and buses. Currently, Assam Petro-Chemicals produces methanol at a rate of 700 tonnes daily, priced between Rs 20-22 per liter, significantly lower than diesel at approximately Rs 110 per liter, leading to substantial cost savings.
The minister noted the environmental benefits of methanol as well. “Methanol is an excellent fuel option for trucks and buses in the Northeast and is also optimal for marine engines. For water transport along the Brahmaputra and barges heading to Bangladesh, we can utilize methanol-powered marine engines to reduce reliance on diesel and petrol. Additionally, through bamboo refineries, we can produce both ethanol and methanol, enabling buses, trucks, and construction equipment in the Northeast to operate on methanol instead of diesel,” he stated.
Moreover, he mentioned that iso-butanol, derived from ethanol, serves as a diesel alternative, necessary because ethanol cannot be directly mixed with diesel engines. The Kirloskar Group has developed two generator sets, one running on 100% iso-butanol and the other on ethanol, both of which have proven successful. “By utilizing iso-butanol for agricultural tractors, harvesters, and construction equipment, we can eliminate our dependence on diesel imports. Generator sets can operate on CNG, ethanol, methanol, or iso-butanol, all of which are domestically sourced fuels. Our goal is to reduce foreign fuel dependency, as we currently import fossil fuels worth Rs 2 lakh crore, contributing significantly to pollution. Additionally, we can transition construction equipment to electric power,” he concluded.
