In India, The Economic Times reports Nitin Gadkari, India’s Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, announced that Indian auto companies are set to produce cars and two-wheelers that run entirely on ethanol. Highlighting this shift, Gadkari arrived at Parliament in a Toyota vehicle capable of running on 100% ethanol, a world-first featuring a flex engine compliant with Euro 6 emission standards and achieving net-zero emissions.
Gadkari emphasized that ethanol for these vehicles can be sourced from sugarcane juice, molasses, and corn. He envisions ethanol pumps becoming as common as petrol pumps, reducing India’s reliance on fuel imports and providing new markets for farmers.
Toyota plans to invest INR 20,000 crore (approximately USD 2.4 billion) to set up a plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, for producing flex-fuel cars. Other major manufacturers, including Tata and Suzuki, are also developing 100% ethanol or flex-engine vehicles. The two-wheeler segment is following suit, with Bajaj, TVS, and Hero working on flex-engine motorcycles and scooters.
Gadkari believes this transition will lower pollution and costs, significantly benefiting the agricultural sector. This move aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainability and economic self-reliance.
Tags: India, Nitin Gadkari
Category: Fuels
