Maruti Suzuki is set to take a big step towards clean mobility in India with the unveiling of its first flex-fuel passenger vehicle on June 4. The launch will mark the arrival of India’s first mass-market flex-fuel car capable of running on higher ethanol blends.The announcement was recently confirmed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during an event in Nagpur. Gadkari said Maruti Suzuki will introduce vehicles capable of running on 100 percent ethanol fuel, also known as E100.
What is a flex-fuel car?
A flex-fuel vehicle is designed to run on petrol, ethanol or a mixture of the two. Unlike regular petrol cars currently compatible with E20 fuel, flex-fuel vehicles can handle significantly higher ethanol blends, including E85 and E100. Maruti Suzuki has not officially revealed which model will be the first to get the technology. However, the company may introduce WagonR flex fuel or Frontex flex fuel. The WagonR seems to be a strong possibility, as the company has already showcased a flex-fuel version of the hatchback in India.The move is significant as there is no flex-fuel passenger car currently on sale in India. The government is strongly promoting ethanol-blended fuels to reduce crude oil imports and reduce emissions. According to Gadkari, about 87 percent of India’s fuel needs are met by imports.The government also plans to rapidly expand ethanol infrastructure, with around 5,000 E100 fuel stations expected to open across the country over the next two years.
