Car manufacturers in India assert that ethanol-based fuel negatively impacts mileage, despite assuring safety, amidst growing complaints from motorists.

In a significant move towards cleaner energy, India has implemented a nationwide roll-out of fuel blended with 20% ethanol, known as E20. This decision, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on clean energy, has, however, sparked concerns among motorists, particularly those with older vehicles.

At a news event in New Delhi, more than a dozen executives from auto companies, fuel retailers, and industry groups gathered to address these concerns. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), a lobby group representing Indian automakers, stated that using E20 fuel in older vehicles may lower mileage but is safe to use.

C.V. Raman, an executive committee member at Maruti Suzuki, noted that real-world driving conditions can result in higher drops in mileage due to vehicle maintenance and driving habits. Scientific studies conducted in a controlled environment show a 2%-4% decrease in fuel efficiency when using E20 fuel. However, PK Banerjee, executive director at SIAM, said that millions of vehicles have been using E20 for some time without any reported engine failures or vehicle breakdowns.

The use of E20 fuel in vehicles may result in a decrease in mileage by 2%-4%. This is a concern for motorists, especially given the current economic climate where automakers are facing slower sales and shortages of rare-earth magnets. The gradual roll-out of E20 fuel in India began in 2023, with older blends like E5 and E10, considered more compatible with older vehicles, also offered until recently.

However, carmakers initially stated that E20 fuel had not been tested for compatibility with older vehicles. These statements have since been retracted, with automakers claiming that E20 is safe to use. If issues arise with the use of E20 fuel, warranty and insurance claims will be honored by companies.

The roll-out of E20 has caused concerns among motorists regarding its impact on vehicle performance and durability. Worried motorists have expressed concerns about large fuel efficiency drops and conflicting statements from carmakers on social media. These concerns will be heard in the Supreme Court tomorrow, as public interest litigation against the E20 fuel roll-out is set to be heard.

SIAM represents major Indian carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Toyota Motor. The use of E20 fuel has become the only choice at nearly all fuel stations in recent weeks, with nearly all of the country's 90,000 fuel stations no longer offering older fuel mixes.

As India moves towards a cleaner future, it is essential to address the concerns of its citizens. The auto industry and the government will need to work together to ensure a smooth transition to E20 fuel, addressing the concerns of motorists and ensuring the longevity and performance of their vehicles.

Car manufacturers in India assert that ethanol-based fuel negatively impacts mileage, despite assuring safety, amidst growing complaints from motorists.