Under the new rules, E100 fuel can be used only in vehicles that manufacturers have specifically developed and approved for this fuel type. The regulations also establish a pathway for testing such vehicles and obtaining permission for their operation.
Unlike conventional vehicles that run on petrol, diesel or compressed natural gas, E100-compatible vehicles use ethanol as their fuel. They are also different from electric vehicles, which rely on batteries to power their motors.
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel that can be produced from agricultural materials and other biomass sources. Greater use of domestically produced ethanol could support India’s efforts to diversify its transport energy sources and reduce exposure to fluctuations in international crude oil prices.
However, the approval does not mean that every existing petrol or diesel vehicle can immediately switch to E100. Compatibility with the fuel is essential, and vehicle manufacturers must design and test suitable engines and systems.
The report did not specify when E100-compatible cars would become widely available in the Indian market, their expected prices, or the scale of infrastructure required for nationwide distribution.
The government’s decision marks a regulatory step towards expanding the use of high-ethanol fuel in India’s transport sector.
