Centre approves use of E20 fuel for two-wheelers, cars

The Ministry has set mass emission standards for the fuel and has directed automakers to define a vehicle’s compatibility with specific ethanol blend levels

Hyderabad: In a move aimed at reducing vehicular pollution, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified the use of E20, a blend of 20 per cent of Ethanol with 80 per cent of gasoline, as automotive fuel and issued mass emission standards for the same.

The Ministry has set mass emission standards for the fuel and has directed automakers to define a vehicle’s compatibility with specific ethanol blend levels. The compatibility of a vehicle with the level of ethanol blend of E20 would be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and be displayed on a vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker.

---

E20 fuel is good for the environment since the blended fuel has a lesser amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The car and bike manufacturers will be required to tell which vehicle is suitable for E20 fuel. The E20 compliant will help in bringing down import of crude oil.

During studies, Ministry observed that E20 decreases the Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbons emissions significantly compared to normal gasoline in two-wheelers and four-wheelers. In 2014, less than 1 per cent of ethanol was blended into petrol and it was later increased to 8.5 per cent. The target is now to blend 10 per cent ethanol.

The latest notification follows a draft issued by centre in December on approval of ethanol, flex fuel and ethanol-gasoline blend vehicles. Earlier, the government has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders against the draft.

---

Now you can get handpicked stories from Telangana Today on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe.

Click to follow Telangana Today Facebook page and Twitter .

---