The next fuel shift: More ethanol in the tank, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed recognizing 85% ethanol-blended petrol (E85) and 100% ethanol (E100) as automotive fuels.
• This is an advancement from the current mandate of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20), effective from April 2026.
• The move facilitates the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends.

Detailed Insights:

• The draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 will enable the use of E85 and E100 fuels if approved.
• Vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are E20-compliant, but higher ethanol blends require significant engine and auto part modifications to resist corrosion due to ethanol's hygroscopic properties.
• The energy supply shock caused by geopolitical tensions makes this shift significant, incentivizing the rollout of flex-fuel vehicles and separate fuel dispensing units.
• Long-term cost competitiveness for the ethanol industry requires increased cane and grain yields, improved sugar and starch recoveries, and sustainable feedstocks like sweet sorghum and millets.
• The current oil shock presents an opportunity for policymakers to consider biofuels beyond incremental ethanol blending, promoting flex fuels as a viable alternative.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ethanol Blending: Mixing ethanol with gasoline to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.
• Flex-Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles designed to operate on a range of ethanol blends, including gasoline and up to 85% ethanol.
• Hygroscopic Property: The ability of a substance to absorb moisture from the air, which can cause corrosion in engine parts when using high ethanol blends.