After BMW, Mercedes-Benz now supports E20 fuel and says its cars are “materially compatible” with ethanol blending | Today’s news
In the midst of the E20 controversy, Mercedes-Benz released its official statement on the issue. This comes after
“At Mercedes-Benz, customer safety, reliability and vehicle performance are paramount to us. All Mercedes-Benz petrol BS VI vehicles are materially compatible with E20 fuel and certified accordingly by the relevant authorities,” the automaker wrote.
“We are happy to support customers with any technical questions. Mercedes-Benz remains committed to sustainable mobility,” he added.
President and CEO of BMW Group India, Hardeep Singh Brar recently addressed fuel readiness. According to him, BMW petrol vehicles have long supported mixtures with a higher ethanol content. These cars are already ready for fuel up to E25.
According to Puri, this positions the company well for upcoming regulatory changes. Brar confirmed that BMW’s petrol and diesel cars meet current Indian standards. He also reiterated BMW’s overall broader open technology strategy.
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This includes continued investment in electric cars and internal combustion engines. Hydrogen fuel cell technology also remains part of this strategy.
According to Brar, ethanol blending plays an important environmental role. It helps significantly reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels. This supports India’s broader energy security and environmental objectives.
“I would like to emphasize that in the last few years our cars have been ready for fuel up to E25 and will be ready in accordance with future regulations,” said Brar.
The E20 controversy
The introduction of India’s E20 fuel has sparked nationwide consumer backlash. The government has accelerated its timeline so that E20 has already become a staple fuel. This sparked protests and public interest litigation in the Supreme Court.
Many motorists reported a significant drop in mileage, far exceeding official estimates. Independent surveys indicate that 66% experienced a reduction of more than 10%.
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Older vehicles are said to be at risk of engine damage because ethanol is highly corrosive. Unlike other countries, India has completely removed lower blends from several pumps.
There is concern that insurers may reject claims for non-compliant older vehicles. Consumers also resent paying standard prices despite ethanol’s lower energy value.
“Make a sensible policy that will not impact our vehicles and also benefit the nation,” said political scientist Tehseen Poonawala.
“The sugarcane farmer earns ₹3.65 per kilo. You get gasoline with ethanol added ₹102. Margin goes to distilleries owned by policy makers. You cannot do politics for the benefit of your son,” he added.
The government defended this policy through an official FAQ document. He claims that E20 saved India ₹1.97 million crowns in foreign currency. Over ₹1.66 million crowns are said to have benefited farmers and the rural economy.
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Officials report roughly 40% lower lifecycle emissions from the blend. They insist that rigorous testing found no widespread mechanical failures.
Higher octane numbers are said to improve combustion and acceleration performance. The government explains that price differences stem from guaranteed procurement costs for farmers.
