We’ve been hearing that flexfuel is going to be a reality soon. As major automakers move towards flex-fuel cars on a large scale, Maruti Suzuki has revealed its first prototype in the form of the WagonR.
The WagonR, which runs on a variety of ethanol-diesel blends ranging from 20% to 85%, was unveiled at a recent event in Delhi in the presence of Shri. Nitin Gadkari. It is the first mass-market prototype to support fuel blends from E20 to E85. The government had set a target of implementing 10% ethanol blended petrol by the end of 2022 and 20% ethanol blended fuel by 2030. However, as per the latest notification, the target has been extended to 2023.
Wagon R Prototype
The Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype vehicle has been designed with new fuel system technology to use more ethanol blended petrol. Apart from mere compatibility, it has also upgraded components like engine management system, fuel pump, and fuel injectors to ensure engine and vehicle durability. To comply with more recent regulations, Maruti Suzuki has built an emission control system that meets the stringent BS6 Phase-II emission norms.
Being the first time such technology has been developed for Indian conditions and is targeted to fully meet the stringent emission norms, Maruti Suzuki has extensively evaluated this technology in the Indian market with Indian ethanol blended fuel. intends to
What is Flex-Fuel?
As the name suggests, flex fuels are basically different types and blends of fuel that can work with the same engine platform. As of now, India is using 7% ethanol blend in its fuel. This means that the fuel we get is 93% petrol and 7% ethanol. Researchers are working on different fuel blends that could be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. To reduce dependence on expensive fuel imports, India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in fuel sold across the country by 2023.
Also Read: 20% Ethanol Blended Fuel By 2023 – How Does It Affect You?
Other measures
In line with the Indian government’s focus on promoting clean fuel vehicles, Maruti Suzuki is working on a variety of technologies including electric, hybrid electric, CNG, biogas, ethanol, flex fuel etc. The company has already announced this. Committed to making its entire product range compatible with E20 fuel material by March 2023.