Previous attempts to blend ethanol with diesel were unsuccessful. Consequently, the government is now experimenting with isobutanol, which is produced from ethanol, to blend with diesel. This process is currently in an experimental phase, as confirmed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in a recent announcement.

E20 fuel is a blend of petrol and ethanol, consisting of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol. The government views this as a pivotal step toward green energy transition. However, some social media users have expressed concerns, suggesting it could reduce vehicle mileage and potentially harm engines.

Speaking at the Auto Retail Conclave organized by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Gadkari stated that lobbying exists in all sectors, including their own. He clarified that the rumors circulating on social media regarding E20 fuel originate from the petrol lobby. Gadkari emphasized that this technology will lead India towards energy self-reliance and contribute to reducing pollution.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already clarified that the impact of E20 fuel on mileage is being exaggerated. The ministry asserts that reverting to E-0 would reverse India’s progress in pollution reduction and energy transition.

Gadkari also highlighted India’s ongoing work on new battery technologies. Domestic startups are researching sodium ion, lithium ion, zinc ion, and aluminum ion batteries. Moreover, rare earth metals and other metals can be extracted from the scrapping of old vehicles.

India previously relied heavily on China for semiconductor chips, which caused major problems for the automobile industry. However, chip manufacturing has now begun in India. According to Gadkari, this self-reliance will be replicated in the fuel and battery sectors in the future.

Gadkari also noted that the demand for petrol and diesel vehicles is not expected to decrease soon. Automobile production is increasing by 15-20 percent annually, and the international market is also substantial. While petrol and diesel vehicles will continue to be sold, alternative fuels and technologies will gradually strengthen their position.

Gadkari stated that when he took charge of the ministry, the Indian automobile industry was valued at ₹14 lakh crore. Today, it has grown to ₹22 lakh crore. The United States is at the top with ₹78 lakh crore, followed by China at ₹47 lakh crore, with India in third place.

Motorcycle owners have voiced anxieties about using E20 petrol. Bajaj has offered a solution: the use of fuel cleaner is the best way to use E20 petrol in older BS3 vehicles. According to the company, adding 40ml of fuel cleaner to a full tank of petrol every 1000 kilometers can protect BS3 motorcycles. This advice was given at an upcoming motorcycle launch event.

Ethanol is employed as an alternative fuel for vehicles. It is currently produced from crops like sugarcane and maize in a refined manner. It is supplied by mixing it with petrol. Its main objective is to reduce petrol consumption and pollution. It also aims to provide farmers with additional income from crops like sugarcane and maize.

Ethanol is mixed with petrol in a fixed quantity. E20 fuel is available in the market nowadays. New vehicles also have E20 written on them. This means that 20% ethanol is mixed in the petrol you are putting in the vehicle. This mixture of ethanol and petrol burns in the engine, which generates energy. Ethanol generates energy in the engine like petrol. Also, being completely natural, it causes less pollution.

The government has already initiated large-scale hydrogen truck trials across key freight corridors, backed by a Rs 500 crore investment under the National Green Hydrogen mission. Green hydrogen is the long-term goal, but ensuring the economics of its development is crucial. Gadkari welcomed innovations producing hydrogen from municipal solid waste, organic matter, and even bamboo plantations. The Ministry is also developing clean fuel technologies, including 20% ethanol fuel blending nationwide, to reduce crude oil prices. The government also plans to support the launch of hybrid cars compatible with ethanol and isobutanol-diesel blends for commercial suitability. Compressed biogas networks in rural areas are also planned. Furthermore, the government has approved 100% ethanol use in flex-fuel vehicles, and is working on new IC retro fitment kits for IC engines to work with Hydrogen and advanced biofuels. The transformation of India’s auto industry has been valued at Rs 22 lakh crore, the third largest in the world.

These details were taken from Nitin Gadkari’s speech at the Toyota and Ohmium partnership ceremony aimed at developing hydrogen power solutions in India. Toyota will leverage its expertise in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to support sustainable fuels. Under the new MOU, TKM would supply advanced fuel cell modules and offer system integration and technical consultations. Ohmium, a leader in PEM hydrogen electrolyzer technology, will design and evaluate the performance of hydrogen-driven microgrid prototypes. These partnerships will advance hydrogen applications and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.