Maruti Suzuki India Limited is set to launch India’s first flex-fuel passenger vehicle capable of running entirely on 100 percent ethanol (E100) on June 5, marking a significant step in the country’s clean mobility and alternative fuel transition.
The announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who said the launch has been scheduled to coincide with World Environment Day.
The upcoming flex-fuel vehicle is expected to operate completely on ethanol instead of conventional petrol, helping India reduce dependence on imported crude oil while lowering vehicular carbon emissions.
Although the company has not officially disclosed the model name, industry reports suggest that flex-fuel versions of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are among the leading possibilities.
Flex-fuel vehicles are specially engineered to run on varying blends of ethanol and petrol, including pure ethanol fuel. Ethanol, primarily produced from agricultural feedstock such as sugarcane and maize, is considered a cleaner and renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
Speaking about the importance of alternative fuels, Gadkari emphasized that India must reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products. He noted that nearly 87 percent of the country’s petrol, diesel, and gas requirements are currently met through imports, resulting in a massive foreign exchange burden.
The minister has consistently advocated for ethanol, biofuels, electric mobility, hydrogen, and other green energy solutions as part of India’s long-term sustainable transport strategy.
The launch is expected to become a milestone in India’s automotive sector as the government pushes for cleaner transportation technologies and energy diversification amid rising global fuel prices and environmental concerns.
-OdishaAge
