Earlier this year, we told you that Maruti Suzuki is all set to convert its entire model range to be E20 fuel compliant by March 2023.
The occasion was the SIAM Ethanol Technical Exhibition, where the company finally unveiled its first flex-fuel prototype.
Maruti Suzuki India showcased the WagonR flex fuel prototype model in Delhi, India’s first mass-segment flex-fuel car,
which can run on an ethanol-petrol blend between 20 percent (E20) 85 percent (E85) fuel.
The model has been developed in India by Maruti’s local engineers with necessary support from Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan.
New fuel system technology has been used, such as the ethanol sensor,
heated fuel rail for cold start assist, and ethanol percentage detection to optimize the engine for higher ethanol blends (E20-E85).
Apart from replacing the engine and other mechanical parts to ensure the vehicle’s performance,
features like the engine management system, redesigned fuel pump, and fuel injectors have also been made.
Maruti Suzuki has developed 1.2-liter engine management system strategies and emission control systems to comply with the stricter BS6 Stage-II emission norms.
Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “Maruti Suzuki has consistently aligned itself with the national objectives of reducing the country’s oil import burden and
improving the environment. SMC (Suzuki Motors Corporation) Japan It has been locally designed and
developed in India with the support of the WagonR Flex Fuel Prototype Car, a boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India.
Our research has shown that running on E85 fuel, ethanol petrol-based The WagonR will help reduce emissions by up to 79% compared to the petrol-powered WagonR while keeping the power of both the same.
Also, India is the largest producer and consumer of sugar and the second largest producer globally. It is the largest exporter.
Ethanol is also made from sugarcane, etc., which gives impetus to the ‘Self-reliant India’ initiative for the agricultural economy.
As mentioned, Maruti Suzuki works on various technologies, including electric, hybrid electric, CNG, bio-gas, ethanol, flex-fuel, etc.
The company has planned to expand its entire product line-up by March 2023. has announced its commitment to conforming to the E20 fuel content.
