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Ethanol-blended gasoline, introduced in India in 2005 with a 5% ethanol mix, has now evolved into E20, containing 20% ethanol. Initially, this shift raised concerns about potential engine damage due to the higher alcohol concentration.
According to Cartoq, ethanol’s hygroscopic nature makes E20 more prone to absorbing moisture than regular gasoline. In India’s humid climate, this increases the risk of phase separation in fuel tanks, where water settles at the bottom, ethanol in the middle, and gasoline at the top.
If the fuel pump draws water, it can lead to rust, engine stalls, and damaged fuel injectors. However, these issues primarily affect older vehicles with engines not designed for ethanol-blended fuel, causing initial public apprehension.
Countries like Brazil have successfully addressed these challenges by gradually increasing ethanol blends at gas stations, allowing consumers to adapt. Brazil also promotes “flex-fuel” vehicles with robust fuel systems and adaptive engine software.
India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has confirmed no scientifically verified cases of E20-related engine damage. Internal tests show minimal fuel efficiency loss in compatible vehicles and slightly more in older models, manageable with regular maintenance.
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In some countries, ethanol blends have reached 80-100% for flex-fuel vehicles. Photo: Orfonline. |
To ease the transition, India is implementing phased adoption strategies. Urban areas with newer vehicles will adopt E20 first, while rural regions will offer both E10 and E20 during the transition. Partnerships with manufacturers provide incentives for upgrading to E20-compatible vehicles.
Brazil’s success includes pricing adjustments to encourage ethanol fuel adoption. Overall, ethanol blending reduces emissions, cuts oil imports, and supports farmers by creating demand for bio-based feedstocks.
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