Government may slow E25 fuel rollout amid concerns over vehicle performance and consumer backlash
The Centre is expected to postpone the rollout of E25 petrol, opting for a phased transition beyond E20 after concerns over reduced mileage and compatibility of older vehicles. Officials say further ethanol blending will proceed gradually following scientific evaluation and consultations with automobile manufacturers.
New Delhi: The Centre is likely to delay the rollout of E25 petrol, a fuel blend containing 25% ethanol and 75% petrol, following growing concerns over the rapid increase in ethanol blending and its impact on vehicles.
The move comes amid criticism over the government’s decision to raise ethanol blending in petrol from 10% to 20% within just three years. Although E20 fuel was originally planned for nationwide adoption by 2030, it has already become the standard petrol available across the country, The Indian Express reported.
While the government has not announced a timeline for introducing E25 fuel, two recent decisions have sparked fresh debate. These include an exemption from central excise duty for petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol and the notification of fuel standards for these blends by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The decisions were widely seen as preparations for the next phase of ethanol blending.
The possibility of moving beyond E20 has raised concerns among vehicle manufacturers and motorists, particularly after many consumers reported lower fuel efficiency following the shift to E20. Owners of older vehicles have also expressed worries about possible damage to engine components as ethanol content increases.
According to sources, a high-level government meeting held last week discussed the need to scientifically examine these concerns. Officials also stressed that vehicle manufacturers should address consumer complaints, although some of the concerns were viewed as exaggerated.
Government officials said there is a growing view that any move beyond E20 should happen gradually, allowing enough time for the vehicle and fuel ecosystem to adapt.
“There is a view within the government that the transition beyond E20 will need to be spaced out. That is also the feedback received from vehicle manufacturers. The idea is to move to E25 in a calibrated and phased manner for existing vehicles,” a senior government official said.
The rapid transition from E10 to E20 has remained a key concern for vehicle makers. Many older vehicles, originally designed for E10 fuel, were required to use E20 without much time for adaptation, leaving several owners dissatisfied with the impact on vehicle performance.
Experts say higher ethanol blends reduce fuel economy because ethanol contains less energy than petrol. Older vehicles are likely to experience a greater drop in mileage than newer models. Higher ethanol content can also make cold starts more difficult, especially during winter, as ethanol burns at a higher temperature than petrol.
Automobile manufacturers have also raised concerns that E25 fuel could increase the risk of corrosion and damage to fuel system components in older internal combustion engine vehicles because ethanol absorbs moisture.
At the same time, ethanol offers several advantages. It has a higher octane rating, making fuel more resistant to premature combustion, reduces carbon emissions and helps lower India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
Several automobile manufacturers have begun developing engines with higher compression ratios to improve performance and fuel efficiency with higher ethanol blends. However, industry representatives said these technologies are meant for future vehicles and require time to be introduced.
The proposed shift to E25 will also require manufacturers to carry out additional engineering work, including engine calibration, testing of fuel system durability, corrosion resistance, material compatibility and regulatory certification before vehicles can be approved for the higher ethanol blend.
The government has maintained that any future increase in ethanol blending will be introduced only after detailed testing and consultations with all stakeholders.
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Source : ChiniMandi
