Get ready for ethanol fuel future

February 4, 2023 11:57 am

The vehicle features and technological developments were showcased to emphasise the future possibilities for the readiness of automobile manufacturers for ethanol adoption through multiple segments of FFVs.

The Government of India has mandated SIAM to promote ethanol as a transportation fuel, jointly with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). The highest level within the government drives India’s Ethanol Blending Programme. The critical deadlines decided for pan India implementation of E-20 are 2023 for vehicles to be material compliant and 2025 for vehicles to be fully E-20 compliant. In line with the government’s thrust towards ethanol adoption in India, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised a technology demonstration on “Ethanol Adoption – Flex Fuel Vehicles in India”. It was done to demonstrate the readiness of automobile manufacturers for ethanol adoption through multiple segments of FFVs slated to be launched, particularly in the 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers segment.

At the demo session, vehicle features and technological developments were showcased to emphasise the use of FFVs and future possibilities. The demonstration was organised as a part of the year-round activities to promote the use of ethanol. At the event, Chief Guest Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, commented, “At COP 27, India has promised a gradual switch to cleaner fuels and reduced household consumption to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to spread awareness and impart education about ethanol-blended petrol and its benefits compared to traditional fuel. India is rapidly building a sustainable ecosystem to cater to all futuristic alternate fuel needs. The fuel import costs of India will be reduced by a huge margin, thus saving foreign exchange funds and building the strategic advantage of being Atmanirbhar. Currently, the ethanol blending levels in petrol stand at more than 10.17% across the country, and all stakeholders are working in tandem to improve it further. Apart from the monetary benefits that will be generated from these alternate fuels, economic benefits will also arise for the farmers, who will be supported through an additional source of income. The sugar manufacturers of India who have played an important part in the current ethanol milestones of the nation will reap similar economic benefits.”