{
  "id": 16653635,
  "title": "E100 flex-fuel vehicles get regulatory push ahead of launch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/e100-flex-fuel-vehicles-get-regulatory-push-ahead-of-launch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-26T20:14:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/e100-flex-fuel-vehicles-get-regulatory-push-ahead-of-launch/articleshow/135219327.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The road transport ministry in New Delhi has introduced changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to facilitate the upcoming launch of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on up to E100, which is nearly 100% pure ethanol or a 93-95% ethanol blend mixed with petrol. This comes as some car manufacturers prepare to introduce their E100 models. Flex-fuel vehicles, equipped with internal combustion engines, can operate on petrol, biofuels such as ethanol or methanol, or any combination of these fuels stored in a single tank. However, it is essential to note that E100 fuel is exclusively intended for vehicles designed and certified to utilize it. Vehicles running on E20 or conventional fuel cannot switch to E85 or E100 fuel, thus eliminating the need for existing vehicle owners to alter their vehicles or fuel types at this juncture. Transport ministry officials emphasized that the rule modification was crucial for obtaining type approval and registering FFVs for E100, given that automobile manufacturers are prepared with these products. The blending percentage may reach up to E85 or E100, contingent on the vehicle's design and certification. Flex fuel technology is employed in nations like Brazil and the United States. Ethanol boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional petrol, and increased ethanol blends can help diminish carbon monoxide (CO) and specific hydrocarbon emissions, consequently lessening reliance on crude oil imports. Although the government notification will enable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to produce FFVs, it is insufficient to spur the adoption of these vehicles, as experts assert. Despite nearly seven months since the launch of E85 cars, merely 17 such vehicles have been registered. Industry stakeholders advocate for a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on FFVs from 28% to 5%, aligning with the GST rate for electric vehicles (EVs), to lower the vehicle cost for buyers and counteract the fuel mileage reduction, which stands at approximately 27% when utilizing E100 fuel. Moreover, they advocate for a decrease in fuel costs to around Rs 75 per liter. However, the most significant challenge lies in the availability of E100 fuel, as there are only a limited number of fuel pumps.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Central Motor Vehicles Rules amended to support E100 flex-fuel vehicles.",
    "Car manufacturers preparing to launch E100 models with ethanol-blended fuel.",
    "Experts urge GST reduction and lower fuel costs to boost FFV adoption."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}