New Delhi: The government has approved the use of E100 fuel in compatible vehicles, paving the way for cars that can run on nearly 100 per cent ethanol without relying on petrol.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, on October 23, formally incorporating E100 alongside E85 in regulations covering emission standards, fuel specifications and testing procedures.
The move aims to encourage the development of flex-fuel vehicles, reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil and lower emissions. These vehicles are designed to operate on varying proportions of ethanol and petrol.
The revised rules will allow automobile manufacturers to develop and introduce vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends, including E100.
However, the approval does not mean that all petrol-powered cars can use these fuels. E85 and E100 will be permitted only in vehicles specifically designed and certified to run on them.
Conventional petrol cars, including those compatible with E20 fuel, will not be allowed to use these higher ethanol blends.
A senior road transport ministry official clarified that fuels containing more than 20 per cent ethanol and up to 100 per cent ethanol would be restricted to compatible, certified vehicles.
The amendment establishes a regulatory framework for E100-powered vehicles, opening the way for manufacturers to introduce cars designed for higher ethanol blends.
