The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to facilitate the adoption of flex fuel vehicles capable of running on high ethanol fuels, including E85 and E100.
According to the Ministry’s announcement, the amendments update emission certification provisions by expressly including E100 alongside E85. Vehicles certified to use these fuels must meet the applicable emission and safety requirements for their category.
What Are E85 and E100 Fuels?
- E85 is a petrol ethanol blend containing up to 85% ethanol by volume. E100 refers to fuel consisting predominantly of ethanol.
- Flex fuel vehicles are specially designed to operate on different petrol ethanol blends using a single fuel tank. Their fuel system components and engine controls are engineered to work with the fuel combinations approved by the manufacturer.
Existing Petrol Cars Cannot Automatically Use E85 or E100
- The Ministry has clarified that E85 and E100 are intended only for vehicles specifically designed and certified to use these fuels.
- Compatibility with E10 or E20 petrol does not mean a vehicle can safely run on E85 or E100. Owners of existing vehicles are not required to switch fuels or modify their vehicles under the notification.
- Motorists should check the fuel compatibility sticker on their vehicles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual before selecting a fuel.
Why Is the Government Promoting Flex-Fuel Vehicles?
- Greater use of domestically produced ethanol could help India reduce its dependence on imported crude oil and support the domestic biofuel industry.
- The Ministry also noted that ethanol can help reduce certain exhaust pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions when used in suitably designed vehicles. The overall environmental benefits depend on the feedstock used and the processes involved in producing the fuel.
- Flex fuel technology is already used in countries such as Brazil and the United States.
Other Changes to the Rules
- The notification also updates certain biodiesel related provisions and introduces technical corrections. The amendments will take effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
What Does This Mean for Motorists?
- The rule change creates a regulatory framework for vehicles certified to use higher ethanol fuels. However, it does not mean that E85 or E100 can be used in every petrol vehicle.
- Motorists should continue using the fuel approved for their vehicle. Wider adoption of E85 and E100 will depend on the availability of compatible vehicles and suitable fuel infrastructure.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), October 26, 2026.
