Overview
- Tata Motors, which briefed media Friday on its Q4 results, said it will deliver its first flex-fuel passenger car by end-2026 or early 2027.
- Tata earlier showed a Punch prototype that ran up to E85 using a 1.2-litre engine with revised ECU, injectors and exhaust after-treatment, and it says E100 capability is in development.
- The road transport ministry has issued a draft change to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to define flex-fuel vehicles for E85 and E100, and it has invited public comments.
- Higher-ethanol fuel absorbs water and can corrode pumps and lines unless cars use ethanol-resistant parts and software that adjusts fueling.
- Since March, Tata has seen EV enquiries rise about 25–30% linked to West Asia tensions and fuel costs, pointing to broader demand for alternatives to pure petrol.