Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association Backs E85 Flex-Fuel Technology

Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA) has formally adopted E85-compatible flex-fuel vehicle technology developed by the country's largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki, taking a step aimed at demonstrating preparedness for higher ethanol blends in the domestic market. The announcement, made on Monday, is seen as an endorsement of evolving renewable fuel applications within India’s commercial mobility ecosystem.

The decision comes from the apex body representing grain-based ethanol producers and is intended to underline the sector’s operational readiness as the country advances its biofuel roadmap. This follows the nationwide expansion of the ethanol blending programme, which has seen average blending levels rise from around 1.5 per cent to a 20 per cent baseline over the past decade.

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

As the manufacturing sector looks towards its next growth phase, industry stakeholders are beginning to explore new use cases beyond conventional blending targets. These include E85-based transport solutions and ethanol-driven cooking infrastructure, signalling a broader shift in how biofuels may be integrated across sectors.

The adoption is in line with the recent introduction of E85 fuel in India, providing a pathway for vehicle manufacturers to expand the use of locally sourced fuels while potentially reducing exposure to fluctuations in global crude oil prices. The move also reflects a gradual transition towards higher ethanol concentrations in mobility applications.

C. K. Jain said, “while achieving the initial 20 percent blending target marked a significant milestone for the national biofuel program, the long-term trajectory of the industry must extend beyond E20 parameters.”