India permits flex-fuel vehicles to run on near-pure ethanol fuel

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules on Monday, enabling flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on ethanol concentrations up to E100. The regulatory change establishes clear specifications for high-ethanol fuel compatibility while maintaining safety standards for existing vehicle fleets.

According to ministry officials, fuels beyond E20—a 20 per cent ethanol-petrol blend currently permitted—up to E100 are designated exclusively for vehicles specifically engineered and certified for such use. Conventional vehicles running on E20 or regular petrol cannot operate on E85 or E100 fuel blends, the ministry clarified, emphasising that fuel compatibility remains a critical safety parameter.

As part of the regulatory overhaul, the government has also recalibrated vehicle classification thresholds and adjusted technical references in emission-related testing provisions. Notably, the weight limit for light petrol and diesel vehicles has been raised to 3,500 kg from the previous 3,000 kg threshold, reflecting updated industry standards and vehicle design parameters.

The regulatory amendments align with India's growing push toward biofuels as part of its energy security and environmental sustainability agenda. Industry players, including major automobile manufacturers, have begun launching flex-fuel models compatible with higher ethanol concentrations to capitalise on the expanding regulatory framework.