Maruti Suzuki It has once again showcased the flex-fuel version of its popular hatchback wagon RK. It is the country’s first flex fuel passenger car. The model was shown ahead of World Environment Day, as the government is pushing for more ethanol blending in fuel to reduce crude oil imports and emissions. The company is yet to confirm the launch timeline for Vegan R Flex Fuel.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel : All you need to know.
Wagon R Flex Fuel is engineered to run on E85 fuel, which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. While most cars currently sold in India are compatible with E20 fuel, this version of the Wagon R has been specifically reengineered to handle higher ethanol content. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently said that E85 fuel will be introduced in India soon and it is expected to be priced significantly lower than E20 petrol. If so, flex-fuel vehicles could help buyers significantly lower running costs compared to regular petrol cars.The Wagon R Flex Fuel is based on one of India’s best-selling hatchbacks and has undergone several changes under the skin to support higher ethanol blends. Compared to standard gasoline-powered vehicles, flex-fuel models require ethanol-compatible fuel system components, revised engine calibration, dedicated sensors and software capable of adjusting performance based on the ethanol-petrol mix in the tank.The latest showcase also comes just a day after Hero MotoCorp launched the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel motorcycles in India. However, the widespread success of flex-fuel vehicles in India will largely depend on the fuel infrastructure. The government has set a target of setting up around 5,000 E85 fuel outlets across the country by the end of 2027. A large fuel network and low ethanol prices can make flex-fuel cars a viable option for cost-conscious buyers looking to cut fuel costs.
