Overview
- Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp rolled out production flex‑fuel models on Thursday, with Maruti unveiling the WagonR Flex Fuel homologated for up to E85 and Hero introducing E85‑capable Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles.
- The government has formally introduced E85 retail sales at a limited number of public pumps and set a phased target to expand to 500 outlets by December 2026 and about 5,000 outlets by the end of 2027.
- E85 is a high‑ethanol petrol blend that contains roughly 80–85% ethanol and can be used only in flex‑fuel vehicles designed with corrosion‑resistant fuel systems, reinforced engine internals and blend‑sensing engine management.
- Immediate constraints include the small initial dispensing network (reports cite roughly 48–100 pilot stations in key corridors), vehicle certifications capped at E85 in practice despite some models engineered for E100, and Maruti’s WagonR final retail price not yet announced.
- The push builds on India’s move to E20 fuel and rising domestic ethanol capacity, and officials say wider FFV adoption could raise ethanol demand, boost farmer income and reduce crude imports if infrastructure and consumer uptake follow through.