Government Updates Rules for Ethanol Powered Flex-Fuel Cars

India has officially recognised E100 fuel under its vehicle rules, opening the way for certified flex-fuel cars to use petrol blended with up to 100% ethanol. As per news reports, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the changes on October 23, 2026. 

Not Every Car Can Run on E100 

The amended rules recognise E100 alongside E85 for vehicles specifically designed and certified for these fuels. Cars built for regular petrol or E20 cannot use E85 or E100 unless they are designed and certified for them. 

Owners of existing vehicles do not need to make any changes because of this notification. 

How Flex-Fuel Technology Works? 

Flex-fuel vehicles can run on different petrol-ethanol blends using a single fuel tank. Depending on their design and certification, they can use E85, which contains up to 85% ethanol, or E100, which is predominantly ethanol. 

The technology is already used in countries such as Brazil and the United States. In India, the rule change creates a regulatory basis for recognising vehicles built to run on these higher ethanol blends. 

Why Ethanol Matters? 

According to the government, ethanol has a lower fossil carbon footprint than conventional petrol. Higher blends can help reduce tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide and certain hydrocarbons. Greater ethanol use could also help reduce India's dependence on crude oil imports. 

Read More: India Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Titanium Dioxide for 5 Years! 

Conclusion 

The rule change recognises E100 as an option for appropriately designed flex-fuel vehicles. Wider use will depend on automakers bringing certified vehicles to market; ordinary petrol cars are not automatically compatible. 

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