Maruti Suzuki is all 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 India’s first mass-market flex-fuel car capable of running on higher ethanol blends.This announcement was recently confirmed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during a program 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 gasoline, ethanol, or a mixture of both. Unlike gasoline 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 get the technology first. However, the company may introduce either Vegan R Flex Fuel or Fronix Flex Fuel. The Wagon R appears more likely, as the company has already showcased the flex-fuel version of the hatchback in India.The move is significant as there are currently no flex-fuel passenger cars on sale in India. The government is strongly promoting ethanol-blended fuel to reduce crude oil imports and lower emissions. According to Gadkari, about 87 percent of India’s fuel needs are met through imports.The government is also planning to rapidly expand ethanol infrastructure, with around 5,000 E100 fuel stations expected to come up across the country in the next two years.
