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WagonR Flex Fuel prototype can operate on fuel blends ranging from E20 (20 per cent ethanol) to E100 (100 per cent ethanol).
WagonR Flex Fuel.
WagonR Flex Fuel: Maruti Suzuki India, India’s largest carmaker, on Thursday unveiled the WagonR Flex Fuel prototype, making it the country’s first passenger vehicle capable of running on E100 fuel, or 100 per cent ethanol. The vehicle was unveiled in the presence of Road Transport and Hghways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.
The introduction of the WagonR Flex Fuel marks a significant milestone in India’s ethanol-blending programme, which aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, improve energy security and support the agricultural sector through increased demand for ethanol.
What Is a Flex-Fuel Vehicle?
A flex-fuel vehicle is designed to run on varying blends of petrol and ethanol. The WagonR Flex Fuel prototype can operate on fuel blends ranging from E20 (20 per cent ethanol) to E100 (100 per cent ethanol), thanks to modifications in its engine management system and fuel delivery components.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel primarily produced from sugarcane, maize and other agricultural feedstocks. Compared with conventional petrol, ethanol burns cleaner and can help reduce carbon emissions.
Speaking at the launch event, Road Transport and Hghways minister Nitin Gadkari said India imports a large quantity of crude oil every year, and biofuels like ethanol are an important pathway towards reducing this dependence while strengthening our rural economy.
“Flex-fuel vehicles can create a strong and sustainable demand for ethanol, benefiting our farmers, industry, and the environment together,” Gadkari added.
Supports Government’s Ethanol Roadmap
The unveiling comes at a time when the Centre is accelerating efforts to increase ethanol usage in the transportation sector. In May, the government notified fuel standards for higher ethanol-petrol blends, including E22, E25, E27 and E30, paving the way for wider adoption of flex-fuel technologies in the country.
India has already achieved significant progress under its ethanol blending programme, with ethanol blending in petrol crossing 20 per cent ahead of the original target timeline.
Speaking at the event, Puri said India’s ethanol journey is unstoppable. “We have transformed our farmers from ‘annadatas’ to ‘urjadatas’, while strengthening India’s energy security,” Puri said.
The minister said flex-fuel vehicles are a win-win for the nation — reducing crude oil import dependence, saving valuable foreign exchange, lowering emissions, and creating new opportunities for rural prosperity.
Design Remains Largely Unchanged
Visually, the WagonR Flex Fuel remains almost identical to the existing WagonR sold in the market. The only noticeable distinction is a small “Flex Fuel” badge at the rear of the vehicle.
The model retains WagonR’s familiar tall-boy design, featuring a wide front grille, swept-back headlamps and a practical upright stance. The boxy profile, large windows and tall roofline continue to maximise cabin space, one of the WagonR’s key selling points.
At the rear, vertically stacked tail lamps and a large tailgate maintain the hatchback’s focus on practicality and ease of use.
Step Towards Cleaner Mobility
Maruti Suzuki has been pursuing multiple technologies to support India’s decarbonisation goals, including compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid systems, electric vehicles and biofuel-compatible engines.
The WagonR Flex Fuel prototype demonstrates the company’s readiness for a future where higher ethanol blends could become a mainstream transportation fuel. Industry observers believe flex-fuel vehicles could play an important role in reducing India’s oil import bill while providing a cleaner mobility option for consumers.
However, widespread adoption will depend on the availability of higher ethanol blends across fuel stations and the development of a supporting fuel distribution network nationwide.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited Managing Director & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to offer cars with multiple technologies and fuels.” He said the company is introducing BEVs, Hybrids, CNG/CBG and ethanol flex-fuel vehicles to meet India’s twin goals of reducing oil import and carbon emissions.
About the Author
Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis…Read More
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