E20 Fuel May Cause 2-6% Efficiency Drop, Not Engine Failure, Says Transport Minister Gadkari
New Delhi: Petrol, when blended with 20% ethanol (E20), can reduce vehicle fuel efficiency by 2 to 6%, based on the vehicle category and age, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Lok Sabha on Thursday (July 30). In a written response to a query, the ministry of transport also said that tests for engine durability on a dynamometer as well as on-road vehicle tests have found no evidence of engine failures linked to E20.
The 2-6% reduction in vehicle fuel efficiency implies the vehicle will travel as many fewer kilometres per litre of fuel, burning more fuel to cover the same distance, as ethanol has a lower energy density than pure petrol. His remarks come three days after the Union government said it has not estimated how many vehicles in India are fully compatible with E20 fuel.
A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV, and BS-VI E10 (Gasoline) in two-wheelers and four-wheelers, using standard certification procedures and customised testing protocols developed in consultation with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the ministry's response said. The study was jointly carried out by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the ministry said in his response to parliament.
This study found that E20 fuel offers better acceleration, enhanced ride quality, and approximately 30% lower carbon emissions in comparison to E20 fuel.
Earlier on Tuesday (July 28) Gadkari informed parliament that BS-III vehicles manufactured between April 1, 2005, and 2016 may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets when running on E20 petrol. This will handle the shift in fuel compatibility and fit smoothly into regular vehicle maintenance, he had indicated.
“More than 20 crore two-wheelers and over three crore petrol cars have been operating on these blends without any verified evidence of widespread engine failure or vehicle breakdown attributable to ethanol blending,” said Gadkari.
He further asserted that ethanol blending has helped India to reduce its exposure to international fluctuating crude oil prices and exchange rates
Gadkari, has been facing severe backlash over introduction of this blend, including, more recently, from the digital outfit "E20 Janta Party", which has mocked the government over introducing ethanol-blended fuel and the dismal state of roads.
“Complaints of unusual wear and tear in engines, fuel tanks, carburettors and fuel lines have emerged since the policy’s implementation last month – five years ahead of schedule. A key issue with the policy’s premature rollout was that vehicle manufacturers had not yet optimised engines for E20 fuel, forcing car owners to use it in vehicles designed for E10 or lower ethanol blends”, reported by The Wire.
The rollout of E20 petrol has faced criticism from Opposition parties as well as consumer groups, who say it is incompatible with older vehicles, reduces fuel efficiency and raises vehicle maintenance costs and many have questioned why the price of the fuel remains the same as 10% ethanol-blended petrol.