Nova Delhi (Reuters) – Launch in fuel India mixed with 20% ethanol will impair the mileage of a vehicle by 2% to 4%, but is safe for use, said a group that represents the automakers installed in the country. The mixture aims to alleviate drivers’ concerns in the third largest car market in the world.
India has established years ago the 20% ethanol mixture as a goal for 2025. Called E20, it is part of the Prime Minister’s focus, Narendra Modi, in the development of “clean” energy. However, in recent weeks, the fuel with the mixture has become the only option in almost all gas stations, causing drivers for their impact on the performance and durability of vehicles, especially the older ones.
The use of E20 fuel in older vehicles reduces mileage but does not pose a safety risk, PK Banerjee, CEO of the Indian Society of Vehicle Manufacturers (Siam), told journalists at the end of Saturday at an event in New Delhi.
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“Millions of vehicles have been running with E20 for some time. A single vehicle malfunction or engine failure has not been registered,” said Banerjee, adding that if problems arise, companies will fully honor the warranty and insurance claims.
Siam represents the main automakers of India, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, Maning & Mahindra, Tata Motors and Toyota Motor.
More than a dozen automakers executives, fuel retailers and industry groups were present on stage, answering media questions at the event about the Indian ethanol gasoline program.
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Banerjee said the allegations of a 50% drop in fuel efficiency are unfounded and poorly informed. Scientific studies conducted in a controlled environment show a reduction of 2% to 4%, which, for the first time, attributes a number to the reduction, he said.
However, driving in real conditions can contribute to larger falls in mileage due to a variety of factors.
“On the road, it can be very different due to the way vehicles are maintained and driven, so this difference will exist,” said CV Raman, a member of the Maruti Suzuki Executive Committee, the largest automaker in India.
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Although India has been gradually implementing fuel E20 since 2023, older mixtures such as E5 and E10, usually considered more compatible with older vehicles, have also been offered.
However, these older fuel mixtures have been removed from almost all 90,000 gas stations in the country, leaving drivers with only one option – a decision that probably won’t change.
In recent weeks, worried drivers have been to social media because of concerns about large fuel efficiency and confusing statements. Initially, the automakers stated that the fuel E20 had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles, but then backwards, saying that their use is safe.
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The automakers provided confusing guidelines, increasing consumer irritation with the lack of options. A process of public interest against the measure will have an audience in the country’s Supreme Court on Monday.
