Government denies authenticity of reports stating disadvantages of ethanol blending
Older vehicles running on E20 petrol, a 20% ethanol blend, may experience minimal performance and fuel efficiency impacts, according to studies and government findings. However, material corrosion and fuel system issues can arise if a vehicle is not E20-compatible.
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) reports that there is no significant performance loss or major wear-and-tear in older vehicles using E20 petrol. A small decrease in fuel efficiency may occur, particularly in vehicles originally designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, but this can be minimized with proper engine tuning and recalibration of the fuel injection system or ECU.
Ethanol, a hygroscopic substance, can cause corrosion and degradation in older vehicles' fuel system materials. The MoPNG states that safety standards with corrosion inhibitors exist for E20 fuel, but older vehicles may require replacement of some rubber parts after extended use (around 20,000–30,000 km). These replacements tend to be inexpensive and are done during regular servicing.
Vehicles not built or calibrated for E20 may face engine knocking, cold start problems, and accelerated wear on components like gaskets. Some users report substantial mileage drops without adaptations.
To mitigate these issues, engine tuning and ECU recalibration can optimize combustion for E20's different air-fuel ratio and improve fuel efficiency and drivability. Using E20-compatible materials during routine maintenance can also help resist ethanol-induced corrosion.
Owners of older vehicles should verify if their model is E20-compatible and seek professional advice or modifications if necessary to avoid warranty issues and costlier repairs. A more vigilant servicing schedule is also recommended to detect early signs of material degradation or engine issues due to ethanol exposure.
In summary, while E20 petrol is largely safe for older vehicles with minimal performance impact when managed properly, material corrosion and fuel efficiency concerns can emerge without compatible components or engine tuning. These issues can be effectively mitigated by ECU calibration, replacing susceptible parts, and adhering to maintenance recommendations.
[1] Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG). (2021). E20: India's Green Fuel. [online] Available at: https://www.mnre.gov.in/files/file/12871-e20-indias-green-fuel
[2] Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). (2018). Compatibility of Legacy Vehicles with E20 Fuel. [online] Available at: https://www.araiindia.org/research-and-development/publications/reports/compatibility-of-legacy-vehicles-with-e20-fuel
[3] Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP). (2017). Study on the Impact of E20 Fuel on Older Vehicles. [online] Available at: https://www.iipindia.res.in/download/13573/
[4] Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). (2018). E20 Fuel: Frequently Asked Questions. [online] Available at: https://www.iocl.com/e20-petrol/
[5] Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). (2018). E20 Fuel: FAQs for Consumers. [online] Available at: https://www.siamindia.com/pdf/E20-FAQs-for-Consumers.pdf
- The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) asserts that maintaining older vehicles with proper engine tuning and regular servicing can help minimize any decline in fuel efficiency when using E20 petrol.
- Vehicles originally designed for E10 and not calibrated for E20 may experience engine knocking, cold start problems, and accelerated wear on components, leading to costlier repairs if not attended to.
- Technology plays a crucial role in addressing ethanol-induced corrosion in older vehicles with the help of ECU recalibration that optimizes combustion for a different air-fuel ratio, thereby improving fuel efficiency and drivability.
- Integrating personal-finance considerations, replacing susceptible rubber parts during routine maintenance proves to be inexpensive, aiding in resisting ethanol-induced corrosion along with enhancing the overall longevity and health-and-wellness of vehicles running on E20 petrol.
