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India is all set to take a major step towards blending ethanol in petrol. After the implementation of ‘E20’ fuel, the government is now preparing to introduce ‘E85’ fuel; The fuel will contain up to 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent gasoline. If this initiative materialises, we could see most of the cars on Indian roads running on ‘alcohol-based fuel’ in the near future. The decision is believed to be taken to combat the growing global oil crisis and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

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What is ‘E85’ fuel and why is it so important?

‘E85’ is a type of ‘flex-fuel’ (flex-fuel), which contains a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Currently, India has mandated the use of ‘E20’ petrol, which contains up to 20 percent ethanol. ‘E85’ is a significant step forward and will be introduced as a separate fuel grade. Moreover, as per various reports, ‘E85’ fuel (Ethanol 85) is expected to be cheaper per liter compared to both regular petrol and ‘E20’.

Preparedness and Draft Rules of Govt

According to media reports, the government may soon announce draft regulations for E85 fuel. According to a senior official in the Government of India, there has been a consensus in the government and preliminary tests have been completed. Also, it has been said that the draft notification is ready and it will be announced soon.

When will the use begin?

It may still take some time for E85 fuel to fully start using. According to reports, it may take one to two years to be fully implemented, as it requires changes in vehicles and infrastructure.

Why is E85 fuel important?

Tensions in the Middle East are causing global oil shortages. India imports about 90% of its oil requirements. In such a scenario, increasing the use of domestic and renewable fuels such as ethanol is beneficial. This will reduce pollution and also benefit farmers, as ethanol is produced from sugarcane, corn and grains.

Can it be used in every car?

Not every car can use E85 fuel. This requires a special flex-fuel vehicle (FFV). A normal petrol engine cannot tolerate such a high ethanol mixture. If E85 is used in a normal vehicle, it can cause engine damage, reduced performance, and starting problems.

What will be the engine and technology changes?

A new type of engine will have to be developed for E85, which can handle high ethanol content. These engines can run on E85 as well as E20 or lower blends. But this is not possible in the current engine.

What will be the changes at petrol pumps?

A separate infrastructure has to be set up at petrol pumps to start using E85. This would require separate storage systems and dispensing nozzles, allowing E20 and E85 fuel to be sold separately.

Since when is the ethanol scheme running in India?

Efforts for ethanol blending in India have been going on for the past decade. Only in 2016 were fuels such as E85 and E100 approved. NITI Aayog had also mentioned E85 in its 2021 roadmap. Also in 2022 and 2025 several updates regarding tests and regulations have been announced in this regard.