This article is authored by Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer, TMPV.
India’s automobile sector stands at a critical juncture where technological advancements intersect with environmental responsibility. As cities struggle with deteriorating air quality and rising fuel costs, flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) have emerged as a promising solution in the country’s pursuit of sustainable mobility. The adoption of this transformative technology signals a major shift towards cleaner transportation and energy independence.
The Need for Sustainable Transportation
India faces a pressing challenge as its major cities grapple with severe air pollution. As of March 2024, approximately 98% of the fuel used in road transportation is derived from fossil fuels, with biofuels accounting for a mere 2%. This heavy dependence on conventional energy sources not only depletes natural resources but also imposes a substantial economic burden due to high crude oil imports.
The country’s expanding economy, growing population, and increasing urbanization further amplify the urgency for sustainable transportation solutions. Traditional vehicles contribute significantly to urban air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions degrade air quality and exacerbate the global climate crisis through greenhouse gas emissions. A transition to cleaner alternatives is no longer a choice but a necessity to safeguard public health, the economy, and the environment.
Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs): Revolutionizing the Automotive Landscape
Flex-fuel vehicles are redefining how we power our automobiles. A significant advancement in automotive technology, FFVs can operate efficiently on any blend of gasoline and ethanol, from pure gasoline to ethanol concentrations as high as 100%. These vehicles are equipped with specialized engines and advanced fuel injection systems that automatically adjust to different fuel compositions, ensuring optimal performance.
While ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, resulting in a 30-35% increase in fuel consumption, Its higher octane rating and superior cooling properties provide a 4-5% boost in engine power compared to gasoline. Recognizing India’s diverse climatic conditions, extensive testing has identified E20 to E85 as the optimal ethanol blend range. However, ethanol’s higher ignition point poses challenges in colder regions, where temperatures drop below 5°C, necessitating fuel heating for cold starts.
Despite these technical challenges, the adaptability of FFVs, combined with their environmental benefits, makes them a viable solution for India’s transition to sustainable transportation.
Ethanol and Biofuels: Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels and Improving Air Quality
India’s ethanol-blending program represents a major milestone in its energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ethanol demand in India tripled between 2017 and 2021. Ethanol blending stood at just 2% in 2017 but reached 8% by mid-2021. Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) achieved a 10% ethanol blending target in June 2022—five months ahead of schedule. This percentage increased to 12.06% in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2022-23 and around 14.6% during ESY 2023-24, with an average of 17.4% between September 2024 and January 2025.
Over the past decade, the ethanol blending program has facilitated payments of approximately ₹92,409 crore to farmers while yielding substantial economic and environmental benefits. The program has saved over ₹1,08,655 crore in foreign exchange, substituted 185 lakh tonnes of crude oil, and reduced net CO2 emissions by approximately 557 lakh tonnes. With 20% ethanol blending in petrol projected to generate over ₹35,000 crore annually for farmers, India’s ethanol production capacity—currently at 1,683 crore litres—is well-equipped to meet the blending mandate until October 2026.
Ethanol-based biofuels offer significant environmental benefits, emitting up to 80% less CO2 than gasoline during production. Additionally, advanced fuel injection systems in FFVs help curb pollutants like CO, HC, NOx, and PM, aligning with India’s National Bio-Energy Mission to combat air pollution.
Future Outlook:
The future of flex-fuel vehicles in India appears promising, though challenges remain. Expanding the necessary infrastructure for ethanol production, distribution, and retail will require substantial investment and strong policy support. Recent government initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana and the reduced GST rates to 5% on ethanol for the EBP Programme, reflect a strong commitment to overcoming these hurdles and creating a more conducive environment for market growth.
For FFVs to achieve widespread adoption, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Infrastructure development, increased collaboration between policymakers, fuel suppliers, and the automotive industry, and awareness campaigns for consumers will be key drivers of success. Financial incentives for early adopters and continuous R&D to improve ethanol fuel efficiency will further accelerate the transition.
Ultimately, the success of flex-fuel technology in enhancing air quality hinges on coordinated efforts between government policies, industry innovation, and public participation. As India moves towards a cleaner transportation ecosystem, the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles represents not just a technological evolution but a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and do not represent any of The Times Group or its employees.