As opposed to the Centre’s claims, leading automobile experts are refuting assertions that ethanol-blended fuel accelerates engine efficiency.
On the contrary, the usage of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol in vehicles could lead to a drop in the car’s fuel efficiency by 2-5 per cent, they say.
There has been a furor on social media over the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, with the government pushing for the ethanol-blended petrol use. However, automotive engineers working with major automakers have come out to dissuade the public from opting for E20 fuel, saying that older vehicles which are not E20 compliant could face issues of erosion of gaskets, fuel rubber hoses and pipes in the long run, if not immediately.
"There can be a drop in mileage ranging from 2-5 per cent, depending on the type of vehicle. This is purely because of the lower calorific value of ethanol compared to petrol," said an expert requesting anonymity.
Also Read: Centre fuelled by E20, but is all good?
Another expert said, "E20 usage will not have any impact on engines of compliant vehicles, as the materials are tuned for it. However, in vehicles, which are not E20 compatible, there could be erosion of gaskets and fuel rubber hoses and pipes in the long term, but not immediately".
Earlier this month, the Ministry and Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a clarification that called “the critiques” suggesting that E20 causes a 'drastic' reduction in fuel efficiency as “misplaced”. However, it did not state the percentage drop in fuel efficiency.
"The efficiency drop (if any) in E10 vehicles has been marginal. For some manufacturers, vehicles have been E20 compatible from as far back as 2009. The question of any drop in fuel efficiency in such vehicles does not arise,” the ministry had said.
The ministry went on to state that “vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration, which is a very important factor in city driving conditions. Additionally, ethanol’s higher heat of vaporisation reduces intake manifold temperatures, increasing air-fuel mixture density and boosting volumetric efficiency”.
On August 4, the ministry, in a post on X, said: "Ethanol, being lower in energy density than petrol, results in a marginal decrease in mileage, estimated at 1-2 per cent for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, and around 3-6 per cent in others".
While Tata Motors said their vehicles are “E20 compliant”, other auto majors such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India declined to comment.
The government has taken steps to blend petrol with 20 per cent ethanol extracted from sugarcane or maize as a national programme, aimed at cutting emissions and raising the income of farmers.
Follow us
