Flex-Fuel Vehicle Adoption Remains Slow in Delhi; 4 Registrations Since Launch

The rollout of flex-fuel passenger vehicles (PVs) in Delhi has got off to a slow start, with only four such vehicles registered since the technology entered India's passenger vehicle market last month, according to data from the government's Vahan portal. Three flex-fuel passenger vehicles were registered in June, when the first model was launched in the country, while only one additional registration was recorded in July. 

A flex-fuel motorcycle from another manufacturer also entered the Indian market during June.

Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to operate on petrol, ethanol or a blend of the two, including higher ethanol concentrations such as E85 and E100. Unlike conventional petrol vehicles, FFVs are equipped with ethanol-compatible fuel system components, specialised fuel injectors, recalibrated engine control units and sensors that automatically adjust engine performance based on the ethanol content of the fuel.

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Unveils India’s First Flex-Fuel Car

In Delhi, flex-fuel passenger vehicles are priced from around ₹7.2 lakh (ex-showroom), while flex-fuel motorcycles are available in the ₹72,792 to ₹1.24 lakh price range. E85 fuel, which these vehicles are capable of using, is currently available at select fuel stations at about ₹82 per litre.

The Centre has been promoting ethanol-blended fuels as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and improve energy security. 

However, the recent debate surrounding E20 petrol has added uncertainty for some prospective buyers. Experts have raised concerns over fuel efficiency and possible engine compatibility.

Drawing a comparison with Brazil, Bhatt noted that even in a market where ethanol pricing is more favourable and higher ethanol blends are widely available, electric vehicles still account for around 10 per cent of total vehicle sales.

Also read: FADA Launches Nationwide Campaign to Reassure Consumers on E20 Petrol Safety