100% ethanol-powered vehicles to be launched soon in the country. The central government has given its approval for the operation of 100% ethanol-powered vehicles. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari gave this information in Nagpur on Saturday. He said that he has signed the file to finalize the rules in this regard. The aim is to reduce dependence on crude oil imports and reduce pollution in the transport sector.
Nitin Gadkari said that the country’s automobile sector has accepted this change. Many big companies are ready to launch 100% ethanol-powered vehicles in the market. Toyota, Suzuki, MG, Hyundai and other companies are going to launch new models in the domestic market within 6 weeks. Ethanol has emerged as a cheaper and sustainable alternative to petrol. The country currently meets the lion’s share of its total fuel demand through imports. Due to this, a large amount of foreign exchange is being spent. As a result, this is creating pressure on the foreign exchange reserves. When 100 percent ethanol fuel comes, the common man will be relieved of the pressure from expensive petrol. The country’s import bill will also be reduced.
Gadkari also said that the country is moving towards a flex fuel mobility ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki has launched a 100% ethanol-based wagon model. Hero MotoCorp is also going to launch two bikes that run on 100 percent ethanol. With the approval of E-100 fuel, companies in the domestic market will launch fully ethanol-based vehicles. There will be no need for petrol-diesel in this. Ethanol is a biofuel, and it is made from sugarcane, corn and other agricultural products. Ethanol made in India is mainly dependent on sugarcane. It is currently mixed with petrol and used in various categories.
The government is taking various steps to control pollution in the transport sector. Last week, E-85 fuel was launched for flex-fuel vehicles. The price of this fuel in Delhi is Rs 82.12 per liter. It is Rs 20 cheaper than the E-20 petrol sold in Delhi. The E-85 category of fuel contains 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. The approval of 100% ethanol will open a new chapter in the field of renewable energy and biofuels. Currently, there are four types of flex-fuel available in the market. They are E-5, E-10, E-20 and E-85. E-85 petrol cannot be used in regular petrol-powered vehicles. Therefore, the engine of the vehicle must be flex-fuel based.
