Mumbai has become the latest city in India to offer E85 fuel, joining Delhi in providing this high-ethanol blend. E85 is now available in Mumbai at a price of Rs 91.18 per litre, which is nearly Rs 9 more expensive than in Delhi, where the fuel is sold at a lower rate. E85 consists of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, designed specifically for flex-fuel vehicles that are engineered to run on high ethanol blends.
Cost Comparison with E20 Petrol
The introduction of E85 in Mumbai offers significant savings for motorists with compatible vehicles. Currently, E20 petrol in Mumbai is priced at Rs 111.33 per litre. By opting for E85, drivers can save more than Rs 20 per litre. This makes E85 an attractive alternative for those owning flex-fuel vehicles.
Government Strategy and Benefits
The rollout of E85 is part of the government's broader strategy to reduce crude oil imports, support domestic ethanol production, and lower tailpipe emissions. Ethanol is primarily produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane and maize, making it a renewable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. This initiative aligns with India's goals for energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Vehicle Compatibility Challenges
Despite the benefits, the biggest challenge remains vehicle compatibility. Currently, only a handful of models sold in India can run on E85. Maruti Suzuki recently launched the WagonR Bioflex, which is the country's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle. Priced at Rs 7.24 lakh (ex-showroom), the hatchback is powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder K12N petrol engine that can operate on ethanol blends ranging from E20 up to E100.
In the two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp has introduced the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, both capable of running on E85 fuel. Additionally, Suzuki sells a flex fuel-compatible version of the Gixxer SF 250 in India. As more automakers introduce flex-fuel models, the adoption of E85 is expected to increase.
