E20 Petrol: Impact on Mileage and Rubber Parts in Older Vehicles Explained
As the introduction of ethanol-blended petrol, known as e20, continues to stir debate across the nation, nitin gadkari, the minister of road transport and highw
As the introduction of ethanol-blended petrol, known as E20, continues to stir debate across the nation, Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has shed light on the potential challenges that car owners might encounter with this new fuel. During a recent parliamentary session, Gadkari addressed concerns regarding the impact of E20 on vehicle performance, particularly for older BS-III models. He emphasized that while there may be a decrease in fuel efficiency, the overall engine integrity remains intact, assuring vehicle owners that E20 does not cause engine damage. The minister indicated that the mileage could decline by approximately 2% to 6%, depending on the vehicle's age and type, a finding supported by a collaborative study conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). This study also highlighted that, despite the potential for reduced mileage, E20 fuel could enhance acceleration and ride quality while significantly lowering carbon emissions by about 30%.
In his remarks, Gadkari clarified that the reduction in mileage is contingent upon the vehicle's category and its manufacturing year. He pointed out that certain rubber components and gaskets in older BS-III vehicles, specifically those produced before 2016, might require replacement when using E20 petrol. However, he reassured parliamentarians that such replacements are manageable within the routine servicing schedules of these vehicles. The minister reiterated that extensive testing has not revealed any engine failures attributable to E20 fuel, indicating that the fuel's introduction has been thoroughly vetted for safety and performance. He noted that vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2005, onwards, which fall under the BS-III category, may need some rubber parts replaced, but this is a minor issue relative to the overall performance of the vehicle.
