Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari recently stressed on the use of ethanol in vehicles as a cost-effective and pollution-free substitute to other fuels, and said flex-fuel engines will be made mandatory in the coming days. What are flex-fuel engines? Why is the use of ethanol promoted?
Flexible fuel engines
Flex-fuel engines are nothing but flexible fuel engines. Flex-fuel vehicles have an internal combustion engine which is capable of running on both gasoline (petrol) and any blend of gasoline and ethanol. These engines can run on any ratio of blended ethanol, from 20% to 100%. These vehicles are popular in countries such as Brazil, Canada, and the U.S.
Ethanol, a biofuel
Ethanol is a green energy obtained from sugarcane and corn. Ethanol blended with gasoline is a more environment-friendly auto fuel as it helps reduce vehicular emissions. Since it is a renewable resource, countries around the world are encouraging people to use ethanol instead of fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel which take centuries to form. India, the fifth largest car manufacturing country in the world, relies heavily on fossil fuel imports to meet its energy demands. In order to encourage people to embrace green energy, the government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Oil Marketing Companies sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10% (E10) (In India, ethanol is primarily derived from sugarcane and this is what is used to blend with petrol.) This programme has been extended to the whole country except the UTS of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadwerp islands with effect from April 1, 2019
E20, the target
The government aims to achieve 20% blending (of ethanol with petrol) by 2025 It is said that a higher blending of locally produced ethanol in petrol will help cut oil imports and also benefit cane farmers.
At present, India uses petrol with an 8.5% blend of ethanol. According to experts, as ethanol is a highly corrosive substance, the use of E20 (ethanol blended petrol) calls for new engine specifications with rubberised and plastic parts. So, passenger vehicles with engines compatible to use E20 fuel are to be manufactured.
Referring to his recent meeting with representatives of vehicle manufacturers Kirloskar and Toyota, Gadkari said. They have prepared cars with flex engines. Flex engine means use of 100% petrol or ethanol. This has been made on the Euro 6 norms. I am going to make flex engines mandatory.
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