Maruti Suzuki debuts its first E100 flex-fuel car

Maruti Suzuki debuts its first E100 flex-fuel car: Maruti Suzuki debuts its first ethanol-blended fuel mobile passenger vehicle on the upcoming occasion of World Environment Day. The premier automobile manufacturer shows green light to its E-20 and E-100 versions of FRONX and WagonR. The launch event is attended by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

What is special in Maruti Suzuki's ethanol-blended fuel mobile passenger vehicle?

The vehicle will support ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85, which includes pure ethanol. The constituents of E100 Fuel consist of 93.5 per cent ethanol, 5 per cent petroleum, with 1.5 per cent detergents and solvents. The government has been promoting blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, wherein Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell ethanol blended with petrol. During the ongoing ESY 2024–25, OMCs have achieved an average ethanol blending of 19.05 per cent as on July 31, 2025. In the month of July 2025, Ethanol blending of 19.93 per cent has been achieved.

What are flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol blends?

A flex-fuel vehicle is an alternative solution for going green, as they reduce carbon emissions. Ethanol is a key element that makes less emissions than petrol and other fuels. Flex-fuel vehicles are capable of functioning on these ethanol blends, which makes it a better and more conservative option for transportation. Under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, various blends have been introduced recently, for example, blends like E85 that contain up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline.

Impact on automobile industry

Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the launch of Hero MotoCorp's first flex fuel bike on June 3, which is also stated to be compatible with E85 and other potential ethanol blends.
On his official X handle, Nitin Gadkari claimed India is the largest 2-wheeler market and stated that flex fuel technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 77 per cent, lower dependence and enable foreign exchange savings of 1.44 lakh crore. As per Gadkari, this initiative will firm rural energy security and will create a market demand for biofuels, hoping for a boost for both the rural and automobile economy in India.

Hero MotoCorp launched two flex-fuel motorcycles: Splendor+ and HF Deluxe, both of them being one of the most profitable and best-selling motorbikes.

Ethanol blending, an upcoming reality?

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, at the launch event of Maruti Suzuki's new flex-fuel vehicles, addressed the necessity of flex-fuel vehicles. The minister welcomed the usefulness of FFVs in the near future, hoping to strengthen India's energy security. India's push in ethanol blending has led to a 20% increase in the previous year. In 2025, 5 years ahead of the original target set for 203. This achievement is claimed as a result of the government's ethanol blending programme, which is a major promoter of ethanol blending in the industry.

Major addressals

While addressing the event, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India imports 70 per cent of the crude oil and 90 per cent of its natural gas for various domestic trade and production. He assures consumers and residents that despite a tense conflict in the Middle East, there is no shortage of fuel in the country. According to him, supply of crude oil, LPG and LNG will not be disturbed. Earlier, for relief, government reduced excise duty /tax on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.