100% ethanol-powered vehicles set to hit Indian roads soon? What Nitin Gadkari says

100% Ethanol Fuel Vehicles: The government has taken another step towards introducing vehicles that run entirely on ethanol, as regulations for 100 per cent ethanol fuel have now received legal approval. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari shared this information, stating that the move would help reduce dependence on imports.

Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur, Minister Gadkari said he had signed the file to provide a legal framework for 100 per cent ethanol fuel vehicles. The move is part of the government's broader push to promote alternative fuel options.

"Last night at 8 PM, I signed the file making rules for 100% ethanol and giving it legal process," Gadkari said.

Push to Reduce Fuel Import Dependence

The minister said India currently spends around Rs 22 lakh crore on fuel imports and stressed the need to develop domestic alternatives.

"The country has an import of 22 lakh crores. Now, the resolution we made to reduce this import... gradually gas will also be produced in the country. An alternative to petrol and diesel will also be ready," he said.

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Automakers Preparing 100% Ethanol Vehicles

Highlighting progress in the sector, Gadkari said a flex-fuel version of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR capable of running on 100 per cent ethanol has already been showcased.

"I am pleased to share that I had the opportunity to launch the Maruti Suzuki WagonR running on 100% ethanol," he said.

The minister added that several automobile manufacturers are preparing vehicles that can operate entirely on ethanol. According to him, companies including Toyota, Suzuki and Hyundai are expected to introduce such vehicles in the coming months.

"In the next two months, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, and Hyundai will also launch vehicles that run entirely on 100% ethanol," Gadkari added.

In the two-wheeler segment, he noted that three out of five ethanol-powered motorcycles introduced so far belong to Hero MotoCorp, with two Hero models already launched on 100 per cent ethanol.

"Among the motorcycles launched, three out of five are from Hero MotoCorp, and two of Hero's motorcycles have already been launched on 100% ethanol," he further said.

Gadkari Recalls Early Scepticism Around Ethanol

Speaking about his long-standing support for ethanol-based fuels, Gadkari said the idea initially faced criticism and scepticism.

"I used to talk about this dream, and people used to laugh. Some friends even used to criticize it. I'll tell you a good story about how efforts are made to defame ethanol," he said.

The minister also referred to what he described as misinformation regarding ethanol fuel. Recalling an incident, he said a vehicle owner was told by a mechanic that ethanol was responsible for a diesel jeep breaking down.

"One person called me and said his jeep had broken down. When he took it to the mechanic, the mechanic said the car broke down because of putting ethanol in it. I asked him if his car runs on petrol or diesel. He said diesel. I said, 'We don't even put ethanol in diesel, so how did it break down?' So, many attempts were made to spread misinformation," Gadkari said.

Focus on Alternative Fuels

The government's efforts are aimed at expanding the use of alternative fuels and reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels. Gadkari expressed confidence that ethanol would emerge as a viable alternative to petrol in the coming years.

Beyond road transport, he has also spoken about the potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), produced from biomass, as a future fuel option for the aviation sector.

With ANI Inputs