India’s automobile industry is going through major changes as the government pushes for E20 fuel adoption (20% ethanol + 80% petrol) by the end of 2025. This initiative is aimed at cutting down carbon emissions, reducing the dependency on imported crude oil, and encouraging the use of Biofuels made from sugarcane and other agricultural crops.
In this article, we will explore the list of E20 fuel compatible cars in India, the advantages and disadvantages of this new E20 petrol, and answer an important question: Is your next car E20 fuel compatible? Lets discuss
What is E20 Fuel?
E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol energy derived from crops like sugarcane and maize to use as a renewable, cleaner, and significantly reduces harmful emissions compared to regular petrol.
Why is India adopting E20 fuel?
- To cut down greenhouse gas emissions.
- To reduce oil import bills and fulfil make in India dream.
- To provide economic benefits to farmers by increasing ethanol demand.
- To align with the government’s Net Zero 2070 target.
List of E20 Fuel Compatible Cars in India (2025 Update)
Car manufacturers have already started producing E20-ready vehicles after 2023 onwards, as the National Policy on Biofuels came into effect in 2018 and was amended in 2022. Below is a list of a few popular models currently compatible with E20 fuel:
| Car Brand | Model | E20 Compatibility Year |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | Baleno, Swift, WagonR, Brezza, Fronx | 2022 onwards |
| Hyundai | Creta, Venue, i20, Verna, Exter | 2023 onwards |
| Tata Motors | Nexon, Punch, Altroz, Harrier, Safari | 2023 onwards |
| Toyota | Glanza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Innova HyCross | 2022 onwards |
| Honda | City, Amaze | 2023 onwards |
| Mahindra | XUV700, Scorpio-N, Thar, Bolero Neo | 2023 onwards |
| Kia | Seltos, Sonet, Carens | 2023 onwards |
Always confirm E20 compatibility with the manufacturer before purchase, as not all trims or engine types may be E20-ready.
Benefits of Buying E20 Fuel Compatible Cars
Switching to an E20-ready car offers several advantages:
- Environment-Friendly: E20 fuel reduces carbon monoxide emissions by up to 50% compared to regular petrol engine
- Cost Efficiency: As ethanol production increases in the future, blended fuel is expected to be cheaper in the long run. But for now, it is available in the same petrol price range.
- Government Claim: Better acceleration and ride quality with this higher octane performance for a smooth, fuel-efficient running engine without vibration.
- Support for Farmers: Higher ethanol demand will boosts agricultural income with the direct benefit for farmers.
Challenges with E20 Fuel in India
While the benefits are strong, though there are few challenges to overcome:
- Lower Mileage: Cars running on E20 may face a 5–7% drop in fuel efficiency compared to pure petrol, but in real-world tests, car owner claims they got up to 20% mileage reduction.
- Impact on Older Vehicles: Cars manufactured before 2023 may not be fully compatible with this fuel, leading to issues like engine knocking, corrosion, vibration, and reduced performance.
- Insurance Claim Rejection: Car owners fear Insurance rejection if damage happens with this fuel, as 70% cars running on the road are manufactured before 2023, a non-ethanol resistance platform.
Government Policy & Roadmap
The Indian government has set a clear roadmap to reduce 80%-90% crude oil imports and focus on making its own fuel. It will help reduce pollution and increase farmers’ profit percentage. National Policy on Biofuels, which came into effect in 2018 and was amended in 2022, focused on the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel, and the target was achieved in 2025.
Now its new target will be E30 petrol till 2030. Ministry of Petroleum had meetings with automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata, and Hyundai to launch E20-ready models, and companies like Toyota and Honda are working on flex-fuel engines that can run on 20% to 100% ethanol in the future.
What is the Future of EV Against E20 Petrol?
The auto industry is gearing up for an E20 petrol-compatible engine to get better fuel efficiency with low noise, and the carbon emissions will be reduced by a huge percentage. But on the same side, EVs are also compatible with reducing pollution with better engine performance. Then what is the future?
The automakers in India have decided to produce both E20 petrol-compatible cars and EVs in equal percentages, as the consumers are not ready for 100% electric shifting yet. In the far future, lithium batteries could reduce their price, and the EV could be affordable. Moreover, some automakers are focusing on hybrids and ethanol-blend technologies for future-ready vehicles.
Industry experts believe that ethanol adoption, combined with EV growth, will create a balanced, eco-friendly mobility ecosystem in India.
Why the PIL Filed on Supreme Court?
A PIL filed on 22nd August 2025 by Akshay Malhotra against mandatory nationwide E20 petrol without any alternative options. The PIL mentioned every aspect against this E20 fuel, as the consumers are beaten from both ends by paying a higher rate and consuming car-unfriendly fuel, gearing up for future damage.
MoPNG(Petroleum Ministry) has blamed “Petroleum Lobby” for spreading rumors with baseless fear-mongering.
The Judicial Outcomes: The court dismissed the PIL, mentioning that government evidence is adequate for the E20 fuel controversy.
Conclusion
The introduction of E20 fuel-compatible cars in India is a major step towards greener and sustainable mobility. Global precedents like Brazil use fuel up to E27.5 blends, the US uses E10, and the EU widely uses E15 blends. While minor challenges like fuel efficiency exist, long-term environmental and economic benefits are undeniable.
If you’re planning to buy a new petrol car, investing in an E20-ready vehicle will not only make your purchase future-proof but also contribute to India’s clean energy mission.
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FAQ Section
Q1. What is E20 fuel and why is it important?
E20 fuel is petrol blended with 20% ethanol alcohol. It reduces emissions, lowers oil imports, and supports farmers.
Q2. Can old cars run on E20 fuel?
Cars made before 2023 may face performance issues with E20 fuel. Always check compatibility with the manufacturer.
Q3. Which brands offer E20 fuel compatible cars in India?
Brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Mahindra have launched E20-ready cars.
Q4. Does E20 fuel affect mileage?
Yes, cars may experience a slight mileage drop (5–7%) due to ethanol’s lower energy content compared to petrol