Sergius Barretto
India has advanced its goal of producing 20% ethanol blended gasoline (E20) by two years. Originally set in 2030, the target date was advanced to 2025 earlier this year, and now according to the latest bulletin, it is April 1, 2023.
India has already used ethanol-blended gasoline. The level of stimulants was 5% at the beginning and is currently about 10%. However, this is not a comprehensive standard, but with the current level of ethanol doping, the engine does not require any modification.
However, to run the 20% ethanol mixture does require certain engine updates and modifications, and current vehicles may face some problems, so just like the introduction of unleaded fuel, the supply of E20 will be in parallel with the current fuel. The notice also did not indicate that the compulsory mixing ratio of the country’s entire gasoline supply is 20%.
How does the 20% ethanol blended gasoline affect the engine?
In the case of a mixing ratio of 20%, most engine experts believe that due to the high corrosiveness of E20, it is necessary to modify the fuel line and some plastic and rubber drill bits. Also due to the low energy density of the fuel, the engine needs to be recalibrated to achieve the required balance of power, efficiency and emission levels.
What remains to be seen is how the auto industry reacts to this new deadline. India’s changing emissions roadmap and its strong push for electric vehicles have caused some turmoil and attracted many automakers.The industry has always required Clear long-term emissions roadmap It believes that regulators should set emission targets instead of promoting any specific technology.
Why is the government keen on ethanol?
The move to introduce ethanol blended fuel is to reduce the country’s oil import bill, which is between 7 trillion rupees and 8 trillion rupees. In addition, in view of the surplus of corn and sugar production in India, this move may also benefit the agricultural sector. Sugar factories of course need to upgrade their ethanol production and supply capacity, but most importantly, careful scientific planning is required to ensure that the cultivation of these “fuel crops” will not occupy forest land or land currently used for food production, which has already been used. The concerns of countries with mixed fuels.
For some time, the government has been committed to the implementation of ethanol fuel. Recently in March of this year, at the 2021 Indian Automobile Awards ceremony, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways Union Nitin Gadkari said: “I ask everyone in the automotive industry to cooperate with us to bring flexible engines, Brazil and Canada, as in the United States. .”
Flexible fuel engines refer to those engines that can be mixed with ethanol in any ratio from E20 to 100% ethanol. However, these engines will be the next step after the implementation of E20, that is, if India decides to go this way. Interestingly, on the occasion of World Environment Day today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched an E100 pilot project in Pune, and in July 2019, TVS launched a model designed to run E80 or pure ethanol ( E100) Apache.
Can old cars run on ethanol blended fuel?
Cars that are not designed to run on the E20 will suffer some adverse effects. The high corrosivity of E20 may accelerate the corrosion of fuel lines and other plastic and rubber drill bits. In addition, due to the low energy density of the fuel, power and efficiency will also be affected. However, just like the introduction of unleaded fuel, as the number of vehicles decreases, this will be considered acceptable.
Do oil companies need to make major changes?
Not really, they are already in the process of doping with fuel, this only needs to increase its percentage. In addition, doping is done downstream-not in the refinery, but in storage-so additional investment will not be a major obstacle.
