Forget Petrol vs. Electric: Flex Fuel Vehicles Are the Game Changer India Needs

Published On: 12 March 2024
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Several auto giants like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Toyota have showcased flex-fuel prototypes of their popular models.

Move over petrol versus electric, as there's a new game changer in the auto industry: flex fuel vehicles. These vehicles are very much like petrol vehicles, but they run on a blend of petrol and ethanol. They come with the ability to seamlessly switch gears to a fuel made from plants. This plant-based fuel is ethanol, an alcohol derived from crops like sugarcane. It is eco-friendly in nature, as ethanol burns cleaner than petrol, significantly reducing harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. However, fuel flex cars are not just about saving the planet.

Flex fuel vehicles offer a powerful boost to India's energy security. Ethanol production relies on domestic crops, thus reducing our dependence on imported oil. This translates into greater control over fuel prices and a boost to the agricultural sector.

The Indian automotive industry is continuously searching for more sustainable alternatives to diesel and petrol. The Indian government is supporting this new technology. Several auto giants like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Toyota are showcasing flex fuel prototypes of their popular models, from the WagonR to the Innova Hycross. These early versions are loaded with impressive features, such as running on ethanol blends as high as E85 (85% ethanol!).

However, the journey of transforming petrol or electric cars into flex fuel models is not as easy as it seems. In India, as of now, there are limited ethanol fuel stations, and the technology is still evolving. This means there might be slight compromises in terms of fuel efficiency and power compared to regular petrol cars. In terms of fuel efficiency and power, the manufacturers must slightly tweak their strategies.

Despite these hurdles, the potential of flex models is undeniable. With continued government support and infrastructure development, these eco-friendly vehicles have the power to transform the country's transportation sector. The era of flex cars is on the horizon, which promises a cleaner, more sustainable journey towards a greener tomorrow.