In India, the existing E20 fuel has already helped reduce the oil import bill by a significant amount.
However, existing vehicles, E20 and lower, are unlikely to support higher blends.
E30 compatibility for existing carsIn a recent interview with Car and Bike, when asked whether existing cars could be upgraded to support higher E30 blends, BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar ruled out the possibility.
Explaining the crux of the matter, he said that there is a need to study the impact of newer fuels on existing vehicles.
This is actually what the government could be planning, as reports have indicated the possibility of making multiple fuel blends available at fuel stations.
With the availability of surplus ethanol, higher blends like E22, E25, E27 and E30 are being considered alongside the existing E20
Ethanol blending has become a raging debate in the country. While oil supplies from the Middle East have reportedly resumed, the prospects for lasting peace in the region remain uncertain. In such a scenario, many countries are exploring new ways to meet their energy needs. In India, the existing E20 fuel has already helped reduce the oil import bill by a significant amount.
However, it may not be enough, and the government is eyeing higher blends to further reduce the dependency on imported fuel. While the long-term goal is flex-fuel E85 / E100, solutions for the short to medium term include blends like E22, E25, E27 and E30. However, existing vehicles, E20 and lower, are unlikely to support higher blends.
E30 compatibility for existing cars
In a recent interview with Car and Bike, when asked whether existing cars could be upgraded to support higher E30 blends, BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar ruled out the possibility. Explaining the crux of the matter, he said that there is a need to study the impact of newer fuels on existing vehicles. This is particularly relevant, as millions of vehicles on Indian roads are over a decade old and do not even support E20.
Mandated production of E20 compliant vehicles has begun only from April 2023. Higher blends may be okay for vehicles that are designed for it. But there is a big question mark on what happens to existing vehicles. In MINI’s case, Hardeep even hinted at some cases reported by their customers. MINI has big plans for the Indian market and issues with the fuel blend can create unnecessary challenges.
Hardeep said government agencies should ensure that introduction of new fuels does not impact existing vehicles. This is actually what the government could be planning, as reports have indicated the possibility of making multiple fuel blends available at fuel stations. This will be done after tests on higher ethanol blends are completed.
Hardeep further added that the government should provide advance timelines when new fuels are to be introduced. This will allow carmakers to make the necessary adjustments to their vehicles to comply with the new mandates. Hardeep also emphasized the need for clarity in such scenarios.
MINI targeting major growth in India
In addition to the topic of ethanol blends, Hardeep also talked about MINI’s plans for the Indian market. The brand will be stepping up focus on Tier II and Tier III cities, where demand is rising. Cities where MINI will be expanding its presence this year include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Patna, Ranchi, Calicut, Vijayawada and Mangalore. All these cities have witnessed increased demand for MINI cars.
Speaking on the India-UK FTA deal, Hardeep clarified that it is unlikely to have any impact on the prices of MINI cars in India. That’s because production of MINI cars is not technically linked entirely to the UK. However, Hardeep said that if there are any changes in the next 6 months, refunds could be issued.
Hardeep also talked about the recently launched Countryman C, which has around 50% localization. Coupled with local assembly, the Countryman C is being offered at a competitive price of Rs 47.5 Lakh. MINI aims to sell 1,000 units this year, which would be its highest annual sales tally in the country.
