Hero MotoCorp has identified the proposed extension of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms to two-wheelers as a potential business risk, stating that a sudden rollout could significantly increase development costs and impact profitability in India’s price-sensitive motorcycle market.
Hero says sudden implementation could increase compliance costs
Company is upgrading ICE engines and expanding EV portfolio
Bharat Stage 7 norms also listed among future regulatory priorities
Hero calls for realistic implementation of proposed CAFE norms
Hero MotoCorp has identified the proposed extension of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms to two-wheelers as a potential business risk, stating that a sudden rollout could significantly increase development costs and impact profitability in India’s price-sensitive motorcycle market.
In its FY2025-26 annual report, Hero said CAFE regulations, which currently apply to passenger vehicles, are proposed to be extended to two-wheelers. Unlike emission norms that regulate tailpipe pollutants, CAFE standards require manufacturers to meet fleet-wide fuel efficiency targets across the vehicles they sell.
The company acknowledged that stricter fuel efficiency standards could help reduce fuel consumption, lower running costs for customers and reduce dependence on imported oil. However, it warned that a rapid implementation could leave manufacturers with limited time to redesign products, upgrade technologies and prepare their supplier base.
Hero added that passing higher compliance costs on to customers would be difficult in India’s highly price-sensitive two-wheeler market, putting additional pressure on profitability.
To prepare for future regulations, Hero said it is improving the efficiency of its internal combustion engines, increasing the use of lightweight materials and expanding its electric vehicle portfolio to help meet future fleet-wide fuel efficiency requirements.
The company also said it is investing in multiple low-emission technologies instead of relying solely on battery electric vehicles. Alongside EVs, Hero is developing motorcycles capable of running on higher ethanol blends, reflecting its view that multiple powertrain technologies will continue to play a role in India’s mobility transition.
Hero added that its R&D investments are increasingly focused on future regulatory requirements, including cleaner powertrains, connected vehicle technologies and digital capabilities.
BS7 norms also on Hero’s radar
The annual report also lists Bharat Stage 7 emission norms for two-wheelers among the policy issues on which Hero is engaging with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The company said it is advocating for implementation timelines and targets that are realistic and technically feasible for the industry, although it did not disclose when either the proposed CAFE norms or BS7 regulations could come into effect.
The origin of the species. The very beginnings of the automobile. Where it all started. How it all started. What form the earliest cars took. What if you could experience all of this in one place, at the same time? Say hello to UMS Technologies, India’s smallest carmaker. Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Coimbatore, where the manufacturing of machines is almost a religion, UMS tech not only recreates the past, it does so with exacting precision and a level of dedication that borders on obsession.
Walk onto the shop floor, just off main street Coimbatore, and you are greeted by finished versions of three icons – the 1899 Stanley Steamer, the 1896 Ford Quadricycle, and the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen. Each is a faithful replica, crafted with painstaking detail, and together they tell the story of how the automobile was born. It feels like history is coming back to life.
Give me steam
The steam car is the most difficult to steer and can accelerate quickly for a prehistoric car.
The Locomobile, or Stanley Steamer, is perhaps the most theatrical of the trio. Originally powered by naphtha and coal, it relied on steam pressure to drive its pistons. Did you know steam-powered cars predated petrol-powered cars by almost a century? The replica here, however, has been updated with a diesel burner. Pressure in the ‘boiler’ goes up to around 150-200 PSI, and a gauge on the dashboard (origin of the term) tells you when the car is ready to move. This takes a bit.
Clockwise from left: Levers select direction; Braking is via motorcycle discs; Seat feels like a comfy sofa; Diesel burner replaces coal.
Sidebar: steam-powered ships like aircraft carriers sometimes took 12-24 hours to build up a sufficient head of steam before they could start. In the car, once the needle climbs into range, a gentle push on the accelerator sends the vehicle chuffing forward with the rhythm of a steam train. The experience is surreal. Torque is abundant, acceleration is surprisingly brisk, and the soundtrack – a soft, mechanical chuffing – is delightfully addictive. Steering it, however, is a challenge. Without a wheel, only a rudimentary tiller guides the car, reminding me of why the steering rack was one of the most important innovations. Fun fact: none of the three cars here has a steering wheel. For safety, especially considering how quick it is when it builds up a head of steam, UMS Technologies has added motorcycle disc brakes.
Before the Model T
This was the car Henry Ford made before the Model T or even before the company’s formation in 1903.
If the Stanley Steamer is theatrical, the Ford Quadricycle is a burst of youthful energy. Built in 1896, ten years after Karl Benz unveiled his Patent-Motorwagen, it was Henry Ford’s first car, created before he even founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903. The replica is faithful to the original, complete with its mid-mounted twin-cylinder engine and bulb-type rudimentary carburettors that mix the fuel and air. The pistons are exposed, with no sump for oil, so lubrication is handled by drip-feed systems. A brass tube connects the pistons to water tanks for cooling, while spark plugs, carburettor, tappets, and valves are all visible, making the engine look like a mechanical marvel, all the running bits visible and exposed.
Clockwise from top: Twin cylinders placed horizontally; Contact box switch to start the car; Steering knob has button for the bell.
Driving it is exhilarating. The twin cylinders give it a noticeable boost in speed. Steering is again by a tiller, while a lever operates the throttle, much like one on an aircraft; but in reverse. Pulling the lever back sends the car shooting forward, while pushing it forward slows it down! And yes, Ford even thought to add a horn, making this one of the first cars to have this safety feature. Something else that’s fascinating – this car runs on E100 or pure ethanol. However, there’s no blue roundel or Ford badge. This car came before the Ford Motor Company, remember.
Prime petroleum
It moves forward gingerly with a put-putting sound from the weak single-cylinder ‘engine’.
The Benz Patent-Motorwagen, however, is the granddaddy of them all. Widely regarded as the first petrol-powered car, it was unveiled in 1886 and changed the course of history. While steam vehicles had existed since the 1760s, Benz’s creation was revolutionary: a single-cylinder, horizontal piston engine mounted on a tricycle frame. The replica here is almost indistinguishable from the original. Austrian white ash has been imported for the woodwork, just as Benz used in Germany. Brass fittings, carburettors, pistons and connecting rods are all crafted in-house, from the same materials that were used on the original. Even the massive wheels with hard-rubber tyres are made at the factory in Coimbatore, cast and assembled with meticulous care, as we stand and watch.
Operating the Motorwagen is an exercise in patience. The wooden box houses the battery and electrics, while the crankshaft and piston lie horizontally. A pulley system drives the camshaft, with pushrods for intake and exhaust valves. The engine is started by spinning the horizontally placed ‘fly wheel’, and the car starts with a soft and faint put-put-put, white smoke softly escaping from the rear.
Clockwise from top: Brass canisters hold water, fuel; You steer with a tiller and use a long lever to accelerate, brake; Drive is via bicycle chain.
Sat high up, you control acceleration and braking with a single lever; push forward to accelerate or pull back to brake. On the road, it feels fragile and threatens to tip over at times. Unless you push the throttle open, even gentle slopes are a challenge. And then there’s some overrun, so you often need to pump the lever to give it a burst of power. In addition, the ride is harsh, the suspension rocks you and larger bumps simply toss you and threaten to flip the tricycle. But every chug of the piston, every few metres you cover remind you that this is where petrol motoring began.
Recreating history
What makes these replicas remarkable is not just their historical accuracy, but the fact that they are built entirely in-house. UMS Technologies casts its own parts – cylinder heads, crankshafts, flywheels, carburettors – 20km away, then assembles them here. Brass, steel, gunmetal and Austrian ash are all shaped into components that mirror the originals. The workshop even uses a Carl Zeiss measuring machine to check tolerances on the Benz cylinder head – something Karl Benz himself could never have imagined in 1886. And the company doesn’t stop at cars. It also builds engines for drones and RC planes, ranging from single-cylinder 100cc units to seven-cylinder radial engines. Precision, craftsmanship and innovation coexist in this tiny factory, proving that scale is not a prerequisite for excellence. It even makes small turbine engines, complete with flames emitted from the rear and afterburners.
Each car gets its own brochure, as it should.
In an era dominated by SUVs, EVs and autonomous driving, why do these replicas matter? Because they remind us of where it all began. They show us the ingenuity of pioneers who built cars, they highlight the evolution of engineering, from steam to petrol, from tillers to steering wheels, from drip-feed lubrication to blade batteries.
India’s smallest carmaker has achieved something extraordinary. By recreating the Stanley Steamer, the Ford Quadricycle and the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, it has preserved the earliest DNA of the automobile and shown us what it must have been like to drive and be transported by these machines. Even better, if you want to own one of these, each of them is on sale.
Benz Motor Wagen
Stanley Steamer
Ford Quadricycle
Price*
Rs 22.10 lakh
Rs 19.50 lakh
Rs 15.60 lakh
Wheelbase
1,450mm
1,473mm
1,200mm
Power
0.68hp
3.5-5.5hp
3-4hp
Kerb weight
265kg
410kg
227kg
Top speed
16kph
40-48kph
28kph
*Domestic market discount 20-25 percent
No steering required
Driving these three, you get a sense of what the pioneering days of motoring must have been like. You sit exposed, as on a carriage, and looking at this set here, that’s what they really are – horseless carriages. In the Patent-Motorwagen, you pump the accelerator and brake repeatedly, coaxing the car up inclines and slowing it down with a wooden lever. It feels awkward at first, but soon you get the hang of it. The ride is rough, but the sense of history is overwhelming. In the Stanley Steamer, you wait five minutes for pressure to build, then glide forward with effortless torque. The chuffing soundtrack is addictive, and the acceleration surprisingly rapid. Steering with a tiller is tricky, but the experience is joyous. In the Ford Quadricycle, performance takes centre stage. The twin cylinders deliver speed, the ethanol tank nods to sustainability, and the bell-like horn adds a touch of practicality. It feels like the first step toward the modern automobile. Together, they offer a time jump into motoring’s infancy.
How these cars are made in India
All basic parts for the engines are cast or machined either in-house or by a local supplier; for the Benz, the same imported ash wood as the original is used; the spokes and big wheels are made by hand; cylinder and sleeve made to the same spec as the originals; UMS also makes cylinder radial engines for drones and model planes – a nine-cylinder radial and a turbine, among the many.
Interview with GD Gopal, UMS Technologies
Why build replicas of cars that are more than a century old?
Because they are the roots of motoring. Everyone knows the latest SUVs or EVs, but very few have seen where it all began. By recreating the Stanley Steamer, the Ford Quadricycle and the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, we’re preserving history in a way people can touch, feel and drive.
How difficult is it to manufacture these cars from scratch?
Extremely difficult. We cast our own cylinder heads, crankshafts and carburettors. Even the woodwork is done here using Austrian ash, just like the originals. Every part is measured, machined and finished by hand. It’s not about mass production; it’s about precision and authenticity.
What’s next?
We’ll keep building history. And maybe inspire the future too.
The central government has asked state chief secretaries to ensure strict action against fuel adulteration and any lapses in the ethanol-blended petrol supply chain. This directive comes as concerns surrounding the quality and compatibility of E20 petrol recently flared up among swathes of motorists.
Centre calls for ‘iron hand’ consequences against fuel adulteration
In a recently-issued Q&A note addressing concerns about the use of E20, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that any procedural lapse in the handling of fuel must be dealt with firmly. It called for “an iron hand against any instance of adulteration” and said there should be zero tolerance for practices that compromise fuel quality.
However, the ministry did not mention whether adulteration had been detected across the E20 supply chain. The release also did not provide details of specific cases, inspections, or penalties imposed by states.
The primary reason behind the crackdown is to distinguish between concerns related to the approved E20 specification, and problems that could arise from adulteration or failures in handling and quality-control procedures. According to the ministry, a lapse at any stage of the supply chain should not be treated as evidence that the prescribed E20 fuel standard is unsafe.
Many motorists have raised concerns about E20, particularly pertaining to mileage drops, reduced performance, and possible damage to fuel system components. Some online reports even linked vehicle breakdowns to E20, when in reality, the culprit was found to be adulterated fuel.
The Central government has ruled out offering pure petrol, E10 and E20 simultaneously across India, saying maintaining multiple petrol grades would increase costs and create significant logistical challenges. In a question-and-answer note issued on July 10, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reiterated that E20 will continue as the country’s standard petrol blend.
Government cites investments made in ethanol production infrastructure
Separate fuel grades would require parallel storage and distribution
E20 to remain the standard petrol blend across India
Government cites distribution challenges
The ministry said India’s fuel distribution network comprises more than one lakh retail outlets, supported by refineries, terminals, depots, pipelines and storage facilities. Maintaining three different petrol grades across this network would require separate storage, inventory management and distribution infrastructure, increasing handling costs and reducing operational efficiency.
The government also rejected comparisons with premium petrol, saying it is a niche product sold in relatively small volumes and does not require a separate nationwide fuel supply chain.
Investments in ethanol infrastructure
The ministry said substantial investments have been made in ethanol production, including distilleries, storage facilities and logistics infrastructure, to support India’s ethanol blending programme. It added that reverting to E10 as the standard petrol blend could leave ethanol production capacity underutilized and affect investments made by farmers, cooperatives, companies and financial institutions.
According to the ministry, India achieved an average 20 percent ethanol blending between November 2025 and June 2026, compared with 19.2 percent during the previous ethanol supply year.
What it means for older vehicles
The question of offering multiple petrol grades has been raised by owners of older vehicles originally certified to run on E10 petrol. The ministry said vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, testing agencies and research institutions were consulted before the introduction of E20, covering areas such as material compatibility, engine calibration, fuel systems, durability, emissions and fuel economy.
To support its position, the ministry cited field data from Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp. It said Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles during FY2025-26, including 1.5 crore older vehicles that were not originally certified for E20, and reported no E20-related corrosion, abnormal wear or component-life damage. Hero MotoCorp also reported similar field experience.
The ministry acknowledged that some vehicles may record a 3-5 percent reduction in fuel economy when running on E20. However, it said this should be weighed against the fuel’s higher octane rating, as well as the benefits of lower crude oil imports and reduced emissions.
These are claims made by the Petroleum Ministry in support of the E20 programme. The release does not provide an independent comparison of the additional cost of maintaining multiple fuel grades against the benefit of allowing consumers to select fuel based on their vehicle’s original certification.
Yamaha has launched the FZ Blue Flex– a flex-fuel-compatible version of the FZ that can run on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85. The launch makes Yamaha the latest manufacturer to enter the flex-fuel space, following Suzuki with the Gixxer SF 250 FFV and Hero with the Splendor and HF Deluxe.
First Yamaha model to be offered in a flex-fuel variant
Uses the same engine as the rest of the FZ range, but with lower peak output figures
Available through Yamaha Blue Square dealerships
Yamaha FZ Blue Flex details
Peak output drops compared to the standard FZ; ground clearance is also lower
The FZ Blue Flex is powered by the same 149cc air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that underpins the rest of the FZ range, but with modifications that allow it to run on higher ethanol blends. Peak output is rated at 11.7hp at 7,250rpm and 12.8Nm at 6,000rpm– a drop of 0.7hp and 0.5Nm compared to the standard FZ. This is a common trade-off with flex-fuel engines due to ethanol’s lower energy density.
The FZ has never been the most powerful motorcycle in the 150cc segment, and the Blue Flex’s lower output brings it close to the performance levels of some premium sporty 125cc commuters.
The FZ Blue Flex shares its LED headlamp with the FZ Rave launched late last year, along with the same fuel tank, faux air vents and single-piece seat. The 5-speed gearbox, telescopic front fork, rear monoshock and single-channel ABS have also been carried over. One notable change, however, is the reduced ground clearance, which drops to 135mm from the 165mm offered by the other FZ variants. Kerb weight stands at 139kg, making it 3kg heavier than the FZ Rave.
The FZ Blue Flex is available in a single Metallic Black colour option and will initially be sold through Yamaha’s Blue Square premium dealerships in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Priced at Rs 1.24 lakh (ex-showroom), it sits roughly in the middle of the nine-model FZ lineup.
We recently conducted a comprehensive real-world mileage comparison between E85 and E20 using the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV. If you’re curious about what switching to flex fuel means for fuel efficiency and running costs, it’s well worth a read.
India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, during a recent media interaction, said that a public rollout of E25 petrol is still some time away. The minister stated that E25 (25 percent ethanol blended petrol) is still undergoing tests at the moment and “any suggestions that we are bringing E25 now is misrepresentation.”
Government on E25 and other ethanol blends
Speaking about E25 petrol, Puri said that the fuel is not ready for the market yet as Centre is still “conducting tests, which will take time.” The Union Minister went on to say that any progress on the matter will be based on the results from these tests, which will be followed by an evaluation phase. Once that is done, “we will then talk to the stakeholders and automobile manufacturers,” said Puri. However, the minister did not specify any timeline for this process.
Puri also spoke about the recently introduced E85 petrol. The minister stated that it will take a bit of time for E85 to be made publically available in more parts of the country, as new petrol pumps will have to be commissioned first. Touching upon the ongoing discussions surrounding E20 petrol, Puri said, “There is no controversy. There are 20 crore two-wheelers and 20 lakh four-wheelers on the road that are using E20. There are the automobile manufacturers and vehicle service centres, all have said that there are no difficulties.”
Mercedes-Benz India says suspected fuel adulteration is adding to customer concerns around E20 petrol, with some fuel quality issues being mistaken for problems caused by ethanol blending. The luxury carmaker said it has seen a rise in customer queries around E20 fuel. “We’ve seen a lot of anxiety, with a lot of customers asking us and our dealerships,” Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer said.
Mercedes-Benz says customer queries around E20 fuel have increased
Dealer network equipped with FAQs to address customer concerns
Latest S-Class hybrid already compatible with E25 fuel
Mercedes-Benz clarifies concerns around E20 fuel
Speaking during the company’s half-yearly sales call, Iyer said the company has equipped its dealer network with FAQs to help address customer concerns around E20 fuel.
He added that Mercedes-Benz’s latest models are already compatible with higher ethanol blends and said the company is not concerned about E20 compliance. “We were one of the first to get materially compliant E20 cars, as well as emission-compliant E20 cars. The new S-Class hybrid is already an E25-compliant car,” he said.
Mercedes urges stricter checks on fuel quality
Iyer said some cases of poor-quality fuel are being mistaken for issues related to E20 petrol, making it difficult to distinguish fuel adulteration from genuine ethanol-related concerns. “We have seen increased fuel adulteration happening under the garb of E20, which is also causing concern because we have some customers who may not have filled the right quality of fuel, and then explaining it to them may be challenging,” he said.
He said stronger enforcement at fuel stations would help distinguish genuine fuel-quality issues from concerns related to E20, reducing confusion among customers. “So this is something for the enforcement agencies and regulators to check because under this E20, even we can see a bit of proliferation of fuel adulteration, which is causing anxiety and concern among customers,” he said.
E25 Petrol: E25 पेट्रोल यानी 75% पेट्रोल और 25% एथेनॉल के मिश्रण को लागू करने की दिशा में सरकार धीरे-धीरे आगे बढ़ रही है। हालांकि, अंतिम फैसला लेने से पहले सरकार ऑटो कंपनियों, ऑयल कंपनियों और दूसरे संबंधित पक्षों से सलाह ले रही है। सूत्रों के मुताबिक, सरकार जल्दबाजी में कोई फैसला नहीं लेना चाहती।
पहले E20 का असर समझना चाहती है सरकार
सरकार फिलहाल यह जांच रही है कि E20 पेट्रोल का गाड़ियों के इंजन, दूसरे पुर्जों और माइलेज पर क्या असर पड़ा है। इन सभी पहलुओं की समीक्षा के बाद ही E25 को मंजूरी देने पर फैसला लिया जाएगा।
एक सरकारी अधिकारी ने कहा कि सरकार इस दिशा में ‘सोच-समझकर’ आगे बढ़ना चाहती है। इंडस्ट्री से भी इसी तरह की राय मिली है।
ऑयल कंपनियां तैयार, मंजूरी का इंतजार
सरकारी ऑयल रिफाइनिंग कंपनियां E25 पेट्रोल की सप्लाई के लिए जरूरी इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर तैयार कर चुकी हैं। अब उन्हें सिर्फ सरकार की मंजूरी का इंतजार है।
एक सरकारी रिफाइनरी के अधिकारी ने बताया कि मंजूरी मिलते ही E25 की सप्लाई शुरू की जा सकती है। हालांकि, सरकार की अनुमति के बिना इसे बाजार में नहीं उतारा जाएगा।
E20 का लक्ष्य समय से पहले पूरा
भारत ने एथेनॉल ब्लेंडेड पेट्रोल (EBP) प्रोग्राम के तहत पूरे देश में E20 पेट्रोल उपलब्ध कराने का लक्ष्य तय समय से 5 साल पहले हासिल कर लिया है। पहले यह लक्ष्य 2030 तक पूरा होना था।
सरकार ने पहले ही शुरू कर दी तैयारी
सरकार ने E20 से आगे बढ़ने की तैयारी भी शुरू कर दी है। मई में E22, E25, E27 और E30 पेट्रोल के लिए नए भारतीय मानक (Indian Standards) जारी किए गए थे।
इसके बाद जून में सरकार ने इन नए एथेनॉल ब्लेंडेड फ्यूल्स पर केंद्रीय उत्पाद शुल्क (Excise Duty) में छूट भी दे दी। माना जा रहा है कि ये कदम भविष्य में E25 लागू करने की तैयारी का हिस्सा हैं। हालांकि, सरकार ने अभी तक E25 की लॉन्चिंग की कोई तारीख घोषित नहीं की है।
E20 को लेकर क्यों उठे सवाल?
हाल के दिनों में E20 पेट्रोल को लेकर बहस तेज हुई है। पिछले हफ्ते एक अदालत की सुनवाई के दौरान अटॉर्नी जनरल आर. वेंकटरमणी ने कथित तौर पर E20 को ‘एक्सपेरिमेंट’ बताया था। उनका कहना था कि इसका पूरा असर अगले एक साल में साफ हो पाएगा।
वहीं, केंद्रीय पेट्रोलियम एवं प्राकृतिक गैस मंत्री हरदीप सिंह पुरी ने E20 को लेकर फैल रही अफवाहों को खारिज किया। उन्होंने कहा कि E20 से इंजन खराब होने या कीड़े लगने जैसी बातें वैज्ञानिक तथ्यों पर आधारित नहीं हैं। लोगों को अफवाहों के बजाय वैज्ञानिक प्रमाणों पर भरोसा करना चाहिए।
E25 के लिए गाड़ियों में बदलाव पड़ सकता है
इंडस्ट्री के जानकारों का कहना है कि E25 जैसे ज्यादा एथेनॉल वाले ईंधन के लिए ऑटो कंपनियों को इंजन की ट्यूनिंग, फ्यूल सिस्टम और दूसरे पुर्जों में बदलाव करने पड़ सकते हैं।
Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association के अध्यक्ष सीके जैन के मुताबिक, E20 पेट्रोल से आमतौर पर 3% से 7% तक माइलेज कम हो सकता है। हालांकि, आधुनिक इंजन बेहतर दहन तकनीक और इंजन मैनेजमेंट सिस्टम की मदद से इस असर को काफी हद तक कम कर देते हैं।
उन्होंने कहा कि एथेनॉल का ऑक्टेन नंबर ज्यादा होता है। इससे ईंधन बेहतर तरीके से जलता है। कार्बन मोनोऑक्साइड और कुछ अन्य प्रदूषक गैसों का उत्सर्जन भी कम होता है।
India’s mandatory rollout of E20 petrol has come under renewed scrutiny after a series of public complaints, political criticism and viral social media posts incited fresh debate over the ethanol blending programme. Meanwhile, manufacturers such as Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Hero Motocorp have publicly defended the E20 policy.
The controversy heightened early last week after reports emerged of Attorney General for India, R Venkataramani, describing the country’s ethanol blending programme as an “experiment” during a court hearing, saying its results would only be known next year. Though the government later denied that the remark referred to the E20 policy and Venkataramani clarified that he was speaking about ethanol supply volumes rather than the fuel itself, the comments have intensified an already growing backlash.
Auto manufacturers express support for India’s ethanol blending programme
No E20-related issues recorded in non-compliant vehicles so far, claim manufacturers
At a government briefing held on July 4, several automotive manufacturers and industry representatives mounted a coordinated defence of the ethanol blending programme. Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Affairs, Rahul Bharti, acknowledged the key concern of E20’s impact on E10-compliant and older vehicles.
“India mandated E20 from 2023 for material compliance, and before that it was E10. Obviously, after 2023 both the cars and the fuel are mandated for E20,” he said. For perspective, E20 compliance was mandated as part of Bharat Stage 6 Phase 2 regulations, which went into effect from April 2023 onwards.
However, Bharti claimed that Maruti Suzuki had tested older E10-compatible vehicles on E20 and found no significant concerns related to wear, corrosion, or component durability. “As a manufacturer we have tested E10 cars, which were prevalent before 2023, on E20 fuel for all parameters, and we have not found anything of concern,” stated Bharti.
Hero MotoCorp Chief Business Officer Ashutosh Verma concurred with Bharti’s statement, confirming that analysis of crores of service records had not found a higher incidence of vehicle damage in vehicles running on E20 compared with earlier fuel blends. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, added that the auto industry features highly stringent regulations, and that vehicles and fuels are put through extensive testing, certification, and homologation before reaching customers.
Gulati also said that ethanol is a cleaner, high-performance fuel that helps cut vehicle emissions and reduces India’s dependence on crude oil imports. Former Engineers India chairman and managing director Vartika Shukla echoed Gulati, stating that the transition to E20 was carried out via a phased, scientifically driven process involving auto manufacturers and testing agencies. She noted that ethanol blending had increased from around 1.5 percent in 2013-14 to 20 percent by December 2025, achieving the government’s target five years ahead of schedule.
Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri remarked at a separate briefing on July 2: “They use it [ethanol] in racing cars also, the acceleration increases. Mileage, yes, it may drop a little.” Puri’s comments are not germane to public concerns at all, as race cars use ethanol solely for performance, and the mileage drop is the central pain point for the overwhelming majority of vehicle owners. Race car engines are also designed to take full advantage of ethanol and are frequently rebuilt, with the latter residing completely outside the realm of reason for the average motorist.
Toyota attributes Innova Hycross issue to fuel contamination
The Hycross in question belonged to Manoj Kashyap, a Bihar-based content creator
Motorists across India have emerged in droves online to voice concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, and the long-term complications of using E20 petrol. A recent video posted by Bihar-based content creator Manish Kashyap gained immense traction on social media, showing his Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid at a service centre after it reportedly developed engine vibration and knocking issues at around 12,000km.
Kashyap blamed the issue on E20 petrol, criticised Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari (a major proponent of the ethanol-blending programme), and argued that consumers should have the option of purchasing unblended petrol. Responding to Kashyap’s viral claims, Toyota said it conducted an investigation on the damaged Innova Hycross and found no link between the car’s fault and E20 petrol, and that the culprit was actually contaminated fuel.
Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. Image used for representation only.
“Based on our detailed technical assessment of the vehicle, the issue was due to fuel contamination,” Toyota noted in its statement. The Japanese carmaker said its technicians drained and cleaned the fuel tank and lines before refilling the vehicle with standard E20 petrol. Following the procedure, the Innova Hycross was found to be operating normally and was returned to Kashyap.
“The incident is not related to E20 fuel usage and was solely caused by non-standard and contaminated fuel,” Toyota added, advising customers to refuel only at authorised and reputed fuel stations. Contaminated fuel is a legitimate issue across the country and is compounded further by the introduction of E20, as fuel-related damage in vehicles becomes more difficult to pin down – ethanol is hygroscopic in nature, which means it can draw moisture from air and rot plastic and rubber components in the fuel system, especially in non-compliant vehicles.
Opposition voices disapproval of E20 policy implementation
Hundreds showed up to an anti-E20 protest in Delhi
Despite the industry’s defence, criticism surrounding the ethanol blending policy continues to grow in the political arena. Opposition leader Priyank Kharge argued that the rollout lacked adequate consultation and that the government could not dismiss consumer concerns while its own assessment remained pending. Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla staged a protest against the mandatory E20 rollout at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 5, which was attended by hundreds of aggrieved motorists.
The government, meanwhile, has continued to back E20, saying the fuel reduces carbon emissions, cuts crude oil imports, saves foreign exchange and supports farmers by increasing demand for ethanol feedstocks. In fact, the government has signaled an impending increase in baseline ethanol blending beyond E20, with standards notified for E22, E25, E27, and E30. ARAI has also been tasked with carrying out a study on the impact of E25 on existing E20- and E10-compliant vehicles.
Isobutanol-diesel blending under serious consideration
Diesel isn’t safe either, as plans to move forward with isobutanol blending in diesel this year are under consideration – isobutanol is an ethanol-derived compound, but is more energy-dense, less corrosive, and has a lower tendency to absorb water (hygroscopicity). This is despite the fact that none of the diesel cars currently sold in India are compliant with isobutanol-blended fuel.
भारत में E20 (20 फीसदी एथेनॉल मिश्रण वाले) पेट्रोल का दायरा तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। इसके साथ ही आम जनता के बीच गाड़ी के माइलेज में गिरावट और इंजन को संभावित नुकसान पहुंचने की बहस भी तेज हो गई है। उपभोक्ताओं की इसी चिंता और भ्रम को दूर करने के लिए ऑयल और एनर्जी इंडस्ट्री के दो दिग्गज एक्सपर्ट्स शनिवार को सामने आए और उन्होंने इस ईंधन से जुड़े तमाम मिथकों की सच्चाई उजागर की। मुंबई में आयोजित एक हाई-लेवल मीडिया ब्रीफिंग के दौरान समाचार एजेंसी ANI से बात करते हुए बीपीसीएल (BPCL) के रिटायर्ड डायरेक्टर (रिफाइनरीज) आर रामचंद्रन और आईजीएल (IGL) के रिटायर्ड चेयरमैन व बीपीसीएल के डायरेक्टर राज कुमार दुबे ने लैब के पुख्ता डेटा के आधार पर सड़क के व्यक्तिगत अनुभवों से पैदा हुए भ्रम को दूर किया और E20 को भविष्य का ईंधन बताया।
क्या E20 पेट्रोल से सच में 10% घट जाती है माइलेज?
वाहन चालकों की ओर से अक्सर यह शिकायत आती है कि एथेनॉल ब्लेंडेड पेट्रोल के इस्तेमाल से गाड़ी की माइलेज में 10 फीसदी तक की गिरावट आ रही है। इस पर बात करते हुए आर रामचंद्रन ने साफ किया कि व्यापक इंस्टीट्यूशनल टेस्टिंग से पता चलता है कि माइलेज पर इसका सिर्फ मामूली असर पड़ता है। रामचंद्रन ने समझाया कि कुछ इससे अलग मामले भी हो सकते हैं, जिन्हें अलग तरीके से ठीक किया जा सकता है। उन्होंने इशारा किया कि वाहनों का पुराना होना, सामान्य टूट-फूट या अग्रेसिवी सिटी ड्राइविंग जैसी स्थिति भी कम माइलेज के पीछे की असल वजह हो सकती है।
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On ethanol-blended fuel, Director (Refineries) (Retd.), BPCL, R Ramachandran says, “We had this consultation with our automobile friends. They had explained to us extensive studies carried out across the diving cycle with various vehicles by… pic.twitter.com/engsvzxnDu
इस मुद्दे पर राज कुमार दुबे ने एक बेहद दिलचस्प बात जोड़ी। उन्होंने कहा कि वाहन चालक पिछले एक साल से भी ज्यादा समय से बिना जाने ही E20 जैसा ब्लेंडेड ईंधन खरीद रहे हैं। दुबे ने कहा कि अचानक अगर आप यह सवाल उठाते हैं कि माइलेज नाटकीय रूप से कम हो रहा है तो इन बातों का कोई तार्किक आधार नहीं है। उन्होंने उपभोक्ताओं से अपील की कि वे किसी व्यक्तिगत राय के बजाय टेस्टिंग एजेंसियों के दावों पर भरोसा करें।
क्या 2023 से पहले की गाड़ियों के इंजन हो जाएंगे खराब?
साल 2023 से पहले बनी देश की लाखों पुरानी गाड़ियों में सीधे तौर पर E20 ईंधन के इस्तेमाल की फैक्ट्री कंप्लायंस नहीं है। ऐसे में मैकेनिकल नुकसान के डर पर एक्सपर्ट्स ने स्थिति स्पष्ट की। राज कुमार दुबे ने बताया कि एक्सेलरेटेड टेस्टिंग से यह सामने आया है कि पुराने इंजनों के लिए दीर्घकालिक तौर पर सिर्फ मामूली बदलावों की ही जरूरत होगी। दुबे ने कहा कि बहुत पुराने वाहनों में रबर के पार्ट्स पर कुछ असर पड़ सकता है। सामान्य तौर पर मान लीजिए कि आप 10 साल में रबर पार्ट्स बदलना चाहते हैं तो इस ईंधन के साथ आपको रबर पार्ट्स को शायद आठ साल में बदलने पर विचार करना होगा। उन्होंने आगे कहा कि इतने बड़े राष्ट्रीय अभियान के लिए यह बहुत ही छोटी कीमत है।
इसके साथ ही आर रामचंद्रन ने बीमा से जुड़ी उन अफवाहों को भी खारिज कर दिया जिनमें दावा किया जा रहा था कि ऐसी गाड़ियों का इंश्योरेंस अमान्य हो जाएगा। उन्होंने स्पष्ट किया कि स्पष्ट अधिसूचनाएं इसकी पुष्टि करती हैं कि इंश्योरेंस पॉलिसियां पूरी तरह से वैध रहती हैं।
पर्यावरण को नुकसान और पानी की बर्बादी का सच
कुछ रिपोर्टों में यह दावा किया गया था कि एक लीटर एथेनॉल ईंधन के उत्पादन में 10000 लीटर तक पानी बर्बाद हो जाता है। इन पर्यावरण संबंधी चिंताओं को दोनों दिग्गजों ने सिरे से खारिज कर दिया। रामचंद्रन ने कहा कि कृषि उत्पादन में होने वाली पानी की खपत का बोझ एथेनॉल पर नहीं डाला जाना चाहिए। उन्होंने इस बात पर विशेष जोर दिया कि अधिकांश नए जमाने की डिस्टिलरीज 100% वाटर रीसाइक्लिंग और जीरो-इफ्लुएंट डिस्चार्ज के सिद्धांत पर काम कर रही हैं।
देश को मिल रहा है भारी आर्थिक फायदा
एक्सपर्ट्स ने बताया कि इस नीति से देश को बहुत बड़ा व्यापक आर्थिक लाभ मिल रहा है। सरकार को इससे 1.8 लाख करोड़ रुपये से 1,9 लाख करोड़ रुपये तक की विदेशी मुद्रा की बचत होने की उम्मीद है। राज कुमार दुबे ने ध्यान दिलाया कि यह नीति अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजार में कच्चे तेल की उतार-चढ़ाव भरी कीमतों के खिलाफ एक सुरक्षा कवच का काम करती है। उन्होंने दलील देते हुए कहा कि अगर E20 पेट्रोल अस्तित्व में न होता और इस 20 प्रतिशत अतिरिक्त हिस्से को भी हमें विदेशों से आयात करना पड़ता तो इस देश में पेट्रोल की कीमत क्या होती? आज पेट्रोल के दाम 5 से 7 रुपये प्रति लीटर और ज्यादा बढ़ गए होते। उन्होंने ये भी कहा कि देश की पूंजी को घरेलू अर्थव्यवस्था के भीतर बनाए रखने से सीधा फायदा हमारे स्थानीय गन्ना किसानों को मिल रहा है और वे समृद्ध हो रहे हैं।
