New Delhi, October 26 (TNA) The government has approved the use of E100, or fuel containing up to 100% ethanol, for specially designed and certified flex-fuel vehicles. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to formally recognise E100 alongside E85 under emission standards, fuel specifications and vehicle-testing regulations. The notification was issued on October 23 and published in the Official Gazette on Monday.
Rules Amended
The amended rules create a regulatory framework for vehicle manufacturers to develop and certify flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on different combinations of petrol and ethanol, including E100. The move is expected to support the government’s biofuel and clean-energy goals while reducing the country’s dependence on imported crude oil. It could also encourage automobile companies to introduce more ethanol-compatible vehicles in the Indian market.
Not for Regular Cars
The government has clarified that E85 and E100 can be used only in vehicles specifically designed and certified for high-ethanol fuel. Standard petrol vehicles and cars designed for E20 fuel cannot be filled with E85 or E100.
Flex-fuel vehicles use specialised engines, fuel systems and sensors that allow them to operate on varying proportions of petrol and ethanol. These systems are required because high ethanol content can affect components not designed for such fuel.
Boost to Ethanol Economy
The approval is expected to give automakers greater clarity while developing flex-fuel models and obtaining regulatory certification. It may also strengthen demand for ethanol produced from agricultural feedstock and support the expansion of India’s domestic biofuel sector.
However, the wider adoption of E100 will depend on the availability of the fuel, the rollout of compatible vehicles and the development of adequate refuelling infrastructure across the country.