Unfounded Alarms Regarding Ethanol-Blended E20 Fuel Dismissed by the Oil Ministry
In recent times, there has been a growing debate about the use of E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) in India, with some individuals expressing concerns over its impact on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that while vehicle mileage is influenced by a variety of factors, the use of E20 petrol does not affect the validity of insurance of vehicles in India. However, concerns about the performance and mileage of E20 fuel have been anticipated, and an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) of the NITI Aayog has examined these issues at length.
The primary concerns revolve around the potential for reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance issues, particularly in older or non-E20-compatible vehicles. Many vehicle owners have reported noticeable decreases in mileage, ranging from about 1-2% in four-wheelers officially acknowledged by the government to higher drops (up to 20% or more) reported anecdotally. These larger complaints are often attributed to vehicle compatibility and driving habits.
Some users, particularly of older or non-E20-compatible vehicles, have experienced sluggish performance, rough idling, jerky drives, and decreased acceleration. These issues often require engine recalibration, ECU tuning, or replacement of parts with E20-compatible components to resolve. Service centers report increased engine wear and gasket failures in non-compliant vehicles due to ethanol’s chemical effects.
A large proportion of Indian vehicles are not originally designed or tested to run optimally on E20 fuel. This raises concerns about premature wear, potential engine damage, and increased maintenance costs for such vehicles. Field tests up to 100,000 km on some cars show no significant performance loss if vehicles are compliant, but those that are not may face difficulties.
There is a gap in public communication and awareness, with many car owners unaware whether their vehicles are E20-compatible or what maintenance steps (such as replacing rubber fuel system components) might be needed after 20,000-30,000 km.
However, it's important to note that for predominantly compliant and properly maintained vehicles, the impact of E20 on performance and efficiency is minimal and manageable. On the other hand, for non-compliant or older vehicles, performance and efficiency issues are prevalent and require technical interventions.
The ministry has stated that critiques suggesting E20 causes a drastic reduction in fuel efficiency are misplaced. Ethanol has a higher-octane number of 108.5 compared to petrol's 84.4, and its higher heat of vaporisation reduces intake manifold temperatures, increasing air-fuel mixture density and boosting volumetric efficiency. As a result, vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration, which is a significant factor in city driving conditions.
Moreover, the ministry has stated that the use of E20 gives better ride quality and lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to E10 fuel.
In conclusion, while the government and scientific bodies maintain that E20 is safe and essential for environmental and economic goals, proper service support, vehicle tuning, and owner awareness are crucial to mitigate the issues faced by non-compliant or older vehicles. It is advisable for vehicle owners to check their vehicle's compatibility with E20 fuel and take necessary maintenance steps to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Sports enthusiasts may need to consider the impact of E20 petrol on their vehicle's performance, as some vehicle owners have reported noticeable decreases in mileage, particularly in older or non-E20-compatible vehicles. Car maintenance, such as engine recalibration and replacement of parts with E20-compatible components, may be required to ensure optimal performance while using E20 petrol.
