Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Launches E85 Fuel

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launches E85 fuel on World Environment Day. The launch highlights a high-ethanol blended fuel that is exclusively compatible with Flex-Fuel Vehicles and is presented with stated price and emission benefits.

E85 Fuel (High-Ethanol Blend Fuel):

Dimension	Key Details
Fuel composition	E85 comprises 80–85% ethanol and 14–19% petrol.
Ethanol properties	Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a clear, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pungent taste.
Ethanol production	Ethanol is primarily produced through fermentation of biomass, like corn and sugarcane.
Vehicle compatibility	E85 applies exclusively to Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).
Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)	FFVs adapt automatically to blends ranging from E20 to E100.
Non-FFV restriction	Non-FFVs cannot use E85 due to engine damage risk.
Price feature	E85 provides for a cheaper per litre price than standard petrol.
Emission impact	E85 provides for 61% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.
Global reference	Brazil has used E85 and FFVs for decades.
Indigenous manufacturing	100% Made-in-India FFVs are being launched.
Energy security	E85 provides for reduced crude oil import dependence.
Agriculture linkage	E85 provides for boosted demand for ethanol, supporting sugarcane and related sectors.
Fuel-type comparison	Petrol comprises 0% ethanol and 100% petrol, E20 comprises up to 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, and E85 comprises 80–85% ethanol and 14–19% petrol.
Vehicle-compatibility comparison	Petrol applies to all conventional petrol vehicles, E20 applies to all E20-compliant vehicles, and E85 applies exclusively to FFVs.