Driver uproar ensues over India's E20 petrol launch
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, India has reached a 20% ethanol mix in petrol, known as E20 petrol, five years ahead of schedule. However, this shift has sparked concerns among thousands of drivers, who have expressed their worries on social media about potential engine issues related to the new fuel.
Consumers in India have reported several engine issues with E20 petrol, which is petrol blended with 20% ethanol, a biofuel typically derived from agricultural produce or organic waste. The main issues reported by vehicle owners include reduced fuel mileage, engine jerks and rough running, engine damage and corrosion, more frequent servicing needs, and cold start difficulties.
Many users report a noticeable drop in mileage, sometimes around 10-15%, with some mentioning a 1-2 km/l decrease or a 10% reduction in tank range. Drivers have complained about jerks and rough engine performance after switching to E20 petrol, indicating potential drivability issues. Ethanol’s higher water content and corrosive nature can lead to faster wear and tear, including damage to metal engine parts, rubber gaskets, and fuel system components, especially in vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends such as models made before April 2023 or two-wheelers.
Consumers report more frequent visits to service centers but mechanics often struggle to pinpoint exact causes related to E20 usage. Ethanol burns at a higher temperature than petrol, causing harder cold starts in non-flex fuel vehicles, particularly in colder conditions.
The government and authorities like the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) claim that the mileage loss might be minor (1-6%) and no catastrophic damage occurs with proper engine tuning. However, carmakers have been reluctant to take liability for damages in engines not certified for E20.
Car reviewer Amit Khare criticized E20 petrol for potentially damaging engine parts, estimating that most cars and motorbikes sold before 2023 are not compliant with E20 fuel. Two major motorcycle and scooter manufacturers in India, Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor, have issued advisories about the need for modifications to their vehicles manufactured before 2023 to run efficiently on E20.
Sunderdeep Singh, a car critic, suggested making it mandatory for petrol stations to sell different blends and clearly color-code them. Shell India has warned customers about the risk of engine damage or warranty loss from using E20 fuel. The diversion of crops like sugarcane, maize, and rice for ethanol production has led to a reduction in the availability of grains for people and cattle in India.
Despite these concerns, the Indian government's ethanol programme has saved India about 1.06 trillion rupees (US$12.09 billion) in crude oil import costs and helped avoid 54.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between 2014 and 2024. Biofuels are a key part of the Indian government's plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and oil import costs.
Consumers are demanding the right to choose what fuel they use for their cars. Antony Mathew, a car-owner from Bangalore, has expressed concern about the government pushing higher ethanol blends when cars are not ready for them. He argues that the government should ensure compatible fuel is available in the market.
The ethanol production shift has also resulted in land being taken away from food production. The government charges over 30% tax on a new petrol car, but Mathew argues that it should ensure compatible fuel is available in the market.
In brief, the reported engine problems with E20 petrol in India are related mainly to reduced mileage, potential engine corrosion, drivability issues such as jerking, increased maintenance, and compatibility challenges with older or non-flex fuel vehicles. The Indian government, car manufacturers, and consumers are now grappling with finding a solution that balances environmental sustainability with vehicle compatibility and consumer concerns.
- The shift to E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol, has prompted concerns among consumers in India due to reported engine problems, such as reduced fuel mileage, potential engine corrosion, and drivability issues.
- A properly tuned engine might mitigate some of the mileage loss associated with E20 petrol, according to the government and automotive authorities, but car manufacturers have been hesitant to take liability for damages in engines not certified for E20.
- Some car manufacturers, like Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor, have issued advisories about the need for modifications to vehicles manufactured before 2023 to run efficiently on E20, reflecting concerns about compatibility with the higher ethanol blend.
