Petrol vs E85 Flex Fuel: If you are also worried about expensive petrol due to the increasing tension between Iran and America, then the new plan of the Indian government can bring great relief for you. Now instead of depending on Arab countries, the government is betting on ‘desi fuel’. This fuel will reduce the burden on your pocket. Know what plan the government is making and how much is your benefit in it?
Petrol Price Solution: The ongoing tension between Iran and America has pushed crude oil prices beyond $100. Due to ships not being able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices are being affected across the world. India imports 90% of its oil requirement from outside, hence there are talks of increase in the prices of petrol and diesel, but the Government of India has found a tremendous ‘desi’ solution to this problem, whose name is E85 flex-fuel. Let us know what it is and how it can be beneficial for you…
What is E85 flex-fuel?
Currently, the petrol you put in your car has 20% ethanol mixed in it, but the E85 that the government is now preparing will have 85% ethanol and only 15% petrol. The most important thing is that this ethanol will not come from Arab countries, but will be made from sugarcane, corn and even spoiled grains grown in the fields of the farmers of our country. This means that now the country’s money will not go to foreign countries, but to our own farmers.
Will this new fuel be put in every vehicle?
E85 cannot be put in every vehicle. For this, vehicles with flex-fuel engines will be required. Flex-fuel engine is a smart engine, which is equipped with special sensors. This engine itself understands whether there is more petrol or ethanol in the tank and changes its settings accordingly. Big companies like Toyota, Maruti and TVS have already introduced vehicles with such engines. Now just waiting for the final order from the government.
How much will it affect your pocket and car?
Ethanol gives slightly less power than petrol. Experts say that driving on E85 can drop your mileage by 20% to 30%. It will be beneficial only if the government keeps the price of this fuel much lower than petrol. If petrol is ₹100 and E85 is available around ₹60-70, your cost per kilometer will be less despite the mileage being lower. The government is working on this mathematics, so that the common man gets relief from inflation.
What could be the problems with introducing E85 flex-fuel?
- Separate machines will have to be installed at petrol pumps for E85.
- For such a big country, ethanol will have to be produced in huge quantities.
- Tax on flex-fuel vehicles will have to be reduced so that people buy them.
- Companies will have to assure that this policy will last for the next 10-15 years.