Hyderabad: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd launched the flex-fuel Wagon R, describing it as India’s first car designed to run on ethanol-blended fuel ranging from E20 to E100.
The vehicle allows customers to use any blend of petrol and ethanol within that range.
Moreover, Maruti Suzuki said the car features an advanced engine control unit that adapts to different ethanol blends.
The company introduced the technology in the Wagon R, a model that already offers CNG and LPG variants.
Flex-fuel Wagon R supports ethanol blends up to E100
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said India imports large quantities of crude oil every year.
He said biofuels such as ethanol can help reduce dependence on imports. They can also support the rural economy.
According to Gadkari, flex-fuel vehicles can generate sustainable demand for ethanol. As a result, farmers, industry and the environment can benefit.
He also expressed confidence that other automobile manufacturers would introduce similar vehicles.
In addition, he said fuel companies would strengthen ethanol distribution infrastructure.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s ethanol programme had transformed farmers into contributors to the country’s energy sector.
He added that flex-fuel vehicles can reduce crude oil imports. They can also lower emissions and create economic opportunities in rural areas.
Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the company remained committed to offering vehicles powered by multiple technologies and fuel options.
He added that Maruti Suzuki was expanding its portfolio with battery electric vehicles, hybrids, CNG, CBG and ethanol-compatible models.
According to him, these technologies support India’s energy security and emission reduction goals.