India Launches First Flex-Fuel Car: Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Puri Unveil Maruti Suzuki’s Ethanol-Powered Vehicle

India took a significant step towards cleaner and sustainable mobility as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri jointly launched the country's first Flex-Fuel Car by Maruti Suzuki in New Delhi.

The launch marks a major milestone in India's efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote biofuels, and accelerate the transition towards greener transportation solutions.

Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to operate on a wide range of ethanol-petrol blends, from E20 (20% ethanol and 80% petrol) up to E100 (100% ethanol). These vehicles offer greater fuel flexibility while supporting India's ethanol blending programme and reducing carbon emissions.

Speaking at the launch event, the ministers highlighted the importance of alternative fuels in enhancing India's energy security, reducing crude oil imports, and supporting the country's environmental sustainability goals.

The introduction of flex-fuel technology is expected to benefit farmers by increasing demand for ethanol produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize, and other biomass sources. It also aligns with the Government of India's vision of achieving net-zero emissions and promoting cleaner transportation technologies.

Maruti Suzuki's first flex-fuel vehicle launch is expected to pave the way for wider adoption of ethanol-powered vehicles in the Indian automotive market, supporting both economic and environmental objectives.

The initiative further strengthens India's commitment to sustainable mobility and reinforces its position as a global leader in biofuel adoption and innovation.