What the new E100 vehicle rules mean | Explained

The story so far: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to permit the use of ethanol-based fuels containing up to 100% ethanol (E100) in vehicles. The move paves the way for flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on petrol, ethanol blends of varying proportions, or pure ethanol.

The amendments modify Rule 115, which deals with emission standards and related requirements for motor vehicles, and Rule 115E, which contains additional provisions relating to emission testing.

E100: How India's new flex fuel norms affect your vehicle and wallet | Business Matters

E100: How India's new flex fuel norms affect your vehicle and wallet | Business Matters | Video Credit: The Hindu

What has the government changed?

One of the key changes is the inclusion of E100, or fuel comprising 100% ethanol, alongside E85 in several tables under Rule 115. E85 is a fuel containing up to 85% ethanol, while E100 consists entirely of ethanol, subject to applicable fuel specifications.

The amendments include an explanatory note stating that E85 or E100 may be used only in flex-fuel vehicles designed by original equipment manufacturers.

Should existing vehicles switch to E85 or E100?

No. In a press statement, the Ministry sought to allay concerns among motorists, clarifying that a vehicle’s compatibility with E10 or E20 does not establish its suitability for E85. The notification does not require owners of existing vehicles to switch to E85 or modify their vehicles, either now or in the future.

Motorists should check the fuel-compatibility sticker on their vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s guidance in the owner’s manual when choosing fuel at a filling station, the Ministry statement added.