Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is promoting the use of alternative fuels like hydrogen, bio-fuel, and flex-fuel to make India less reliant on traditional fuels.
As a significant step in this direction, Gadkari introduced the world’s first electric flex-fuel car compliant with BS-VI (Stage-II) standards.
This Toyota Innova car will run entirely on ethanol fuel, marking a remarkable achievement.
This move also has the potential to cut down the cost of ethanol significantly.
Toyota Mirai Launch and Green Hydrogen Focus
In 2022, Gadkari introduced the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered car.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about green hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicle technology, setting the stage for a green hydrogen ecosystem in India.
Additionally, the push towards bio-fuels intends to reduce India’s heavy expenditure (Rs 16 lakh crore) on petroleum imports and foster energy self-sufficiency.
Gadkari highlighted the importance of protecting the environment in the face of challenges like pollution.
Understanding Flex Fuel Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on up to 83% gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol, known as E85.
Despite having slightly lower energy content compared to gasoline, advancements in technology are working to make the calorific value of bio-ethanol equivalent to that of petrol. FFVs can operate on either petrol or ethanol, marking a significant advancement in dual-fuel technology for Indian roads.
Sourcing Ethanol for the Car
Ethanol, a byproduct of sugarcane sugar production, is more cost-effective than petrol and can be domestically produced from crops, unlike crude oil.
Several Indian car manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Mahindra & Mahindra, have announced their plans to transition to ethanol-mix fuel. Ethanol-blended petrol can significantly reduce harmful emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Global and Domestic Implications
Flex fuel engines are popular in various countries, such as Brazil, the United States, the European Union, and China.
India stands as the fifth largest producer of ethanol, trailing behind the US, Brazil, the European Union, and China. With these advancements, India is taking meaningful strides towards a greener and more self-sufficient energy landscape.
