Maruti Suzuki, Toyota India execs defend E20 petrol: ‘No problem in terms of wear & tear, corrosion'
Auto industry experts on Saturday (4 July) sought to reassure consumers about the use of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), stating that the fuel
Auto industry experts on Saturday (4 July) sought to reassure consumers about the use of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20), stating that the fuel has been thoroughly tested, is safe for both older and newer vehicles, and will play a vital role in reducing India's reliance on imported crude oil. At a press conference, Maruti Suzuki India Corporate Affairs Senior Executive Officer, Rahul Bharti said, “We have tested E10 cars, which were prevalent before 2023, on E20 fuel for all parameters, and we have not found anything of concern” Maruti Suzuki India's Bharti also said, “In the previous few days, we have heard that there are some doubts on the usage of ethanol in cars. India mandated E20 from 2023 for material compliance, and before that it was E10. After 2023, both the cars and the fuel are mandated for E20. The cause of concern is what happens if E20 fuel is used in cars that have been manufactured and sold before 2023, which were primarily designed for E10?... We have sufficient factors of safety that ensure there is no problem in terms of wear and tear, corrosion, or damage to the life of the car or the parts that come in contact with the E20 fuel if E20 is used on cars that were produced and sold in India before 2023.” Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is E20 petrol and how does it differ from E10?
⌵ E20 petrol is a fuel blend consisting of 20% ethanol and 80% conventional petrol. It differs from E10, which contains 10% ethanol, allowing for higher ethanol content to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 2 Why was E20 petrol introduced in India? ⌵ E20 petrol was introduced to reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil, provide economic benefits to farmers, and support the country's transition to cleaner transportation fuels. 3 How does E20 petrol affect engine performance in older vehicles? ⌵ While there may be a marginal impact on engine performance when using E20 in older vehicles, extensive testing has shown that it does not cause significant damage or wear, as both older and newer cars have been tested successfully. 4 Should consumers be concerned about using E20 petrol in pre-2023 vehicles? ⌵ No, experts from Maruti Suzuki and Toyota affirm that E20 petrol is safe for both older and newer vehicles, with sufficient safety measures in place to prevent wear, tear, or corrosion. 5 What are the environmental benefits of switching to E20 fuel? ⌵ E20 fuel is considered a cleaner-burning alternative that helps lower carbon emissions, thus contributing to decarbonization and climate goals while improving India's energy security. E20-blended petrol is a fuel mixture containing 20% ethanol and 80% conventional petrol. Ethanol, a renewable biofuel typically derived from crops such as sugarcane, maize or grain, is blended with petrol to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower harmful vehicle emissions.
The BriefWire