While the need of the hour for the Government of India was to reduce crude oil import, a whopping 85 percent from other countries, and reduce pollution, does the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, having generated tremendous furore, truly augur well for India’s automotive future?

Industry leaders from India’s leading oil companies, automotive industry bodies and OEMs came together on 30 August 2025, to discuss its directives, including the employment of sugarcane farmers.

Setting the tone for the evening, Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) spoke about BS6 and BS6 Phase Two as unique current propositions that prepared the ground for ethanol addition into petrol. He mentioned, “While ARAI is responsible for maximum testing, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and oil companies have also played important parts.”  

2001 was the year when ethanol blends were first done in India. The systematic sequence of ethanol-based blend tests after the above was as follows:

• 2010- Multiple studies done over 10 percent blending
• 2016- BS4 testing was done on 7–8-year-old vehicles
• 2021- A detailed study was done on 8–10-year-old vehicles

Fuel efficiency will go down

Industry speakers confirmed that fuel efficiency from E20 will decrease by 2-5 percent. However, Prashant K Bannerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, averred, “Fuel efficiency is determined by terrain and driving habits, leading to different experiences for different customers. Owing to complex and variable factors, it cannot always be pointed towards the fuel.” Though better octane numbers have now been attained, the energy generated is six percent lesser than pure petrol.

As a country that has successfully adopted EBP, Brazil, with E27 and an overall blend of 45 percent, was quoted numerous times. Milind Pagare, VP (R&D), Bajaj Auto, shared his views on the company’s two-wheelers sold in India and abroad. He said, “We will always provide fuel-related help to our customers whenever necessary. However, I’m sure that there will be no catastrophic engine failures due to EBP.”   

Experiments are necessary for progress

“Experiments will keep happening; otherwise, we can’t go ahead. We will always rely on scientific studies for progress,” said Mathai. Although he could not give a figure when asked about the E20-compliant percentage on Indian roads, he stated that the industry has tested two-wheelers which are 10 years old and four-wheelers between 8-10 years of age for the blend in 2016 and 2021, respectively. Mathai said, “We couldn’t say anything for sure when E20 came in 2021.”

Bannerjee assured that, “OEMs will have no warranty-related changes due to EBP. Whatever is committed to the customer at the time of sale will be honoured fully. Neither warranty nor insurance will be impacted by the above.”

Most attendees were of the opinion that OEMs and oil companies were not providing any clarity about E20-related faults. Ascertaining the need for the above, Bannerjee said, “We need to clearly articulate about the fuel to our customers. This can be done through a series of summary statements that could be press releases or FAQs.” He said that the statements will be released on the SIAM, ARAI, or OEM pages at the earliest.

He further added, “Most OEMS have or are in the process of communicating to dealers that E20 can be used in E10 vehicles without any concern.” In other words, E20 will cause no problems on any vehicles, including the ones that are marked E5-E10. Specific models of the two-wheelers and four-wheelers have been tested BS3 onwards and he mentioned that no vehicle has encountered engine failure due to E20 to date, after testing over 100,000 kilometres. The setting up of an arbitrary testing agency across vintages and makes of vehicles was also mentioned.   

India becomes self-sufficient in ethanol distillation

Anurag Saraogi, Chief General Manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) expressed contentment at attaining a high level of energy security in India. Backing up the above with figures, he averred, “Eight billion litres of distilleries have come up over the years, and the best part is that these are entirely indigenous.”

Ethanol is prepared from sugarcane, maize and other grains, after which it is mixed with petrol. As UP, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the three major Indian sugarcane states, the oil industry formed long-term agreements with entrepreneurs for country-wide provision. The quantity from sugar molasses has gone up to 3.5-3.7 billion litres today.

Maize is the leading provider of ethanol, contributing 40 percent. Today, maize farming is more viable than ever before, with farmers being recognised as ‘Urjadaatas’ (energy-givers). They’re being offered INR 72 per litre to grow more maize for ethanol and have been paid INR 400 billion in 2025. Payments are being made to the farmers alone.

PS Ravi, Director, Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), said, “In 2014, we achieved a 1.5 percent blend, resulting in 380 million litres of ethanol. While E10 was made available across India in 2019, we have been able to get to 7.5 billion litres by 2025. At this rate, we can safely target procurement and blending of 11-12 billion litres by 2026.” Adding to this, he said, “India is already setting up pilot plants for using high agri residues to prepare the second generation of ethanol.”

Talking about pricing, Ravi said, “The procurement price of ethanol is much more than cost of petrol. Yet, the oil industry is still maintaining a constant price despite Minimum Selling Prices (MSPs) and higher ethanol being derived from feedstock. 

Apart from the above, the industry experts expects India to save INR 1,440 billion in terms of FOREX. As a low-carbon intensity fuel, it will easily achieve net-zero emissions, resulting in a cost-effective pathway for energy transition.

Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said, “Through its 2070 emission plan and circular economy, India will become the global reference model. Farmers will spend more, contributing to the economy.”

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Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.

The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.

Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.

To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.

Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.

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VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.

The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.

First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.

The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.

Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."

Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."

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Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.

The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.

As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.

The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.

Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.

Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the MG Windsor INDULGE Edition at INR 1.79 million ex-showroom.

The MG Windsor INDULGE Edition features a dual-tone exterior with a Shadow Gold body finish paired with a black roof, black exterior mirror housings, 18-inch black alloy wheels and edition badges on the C-pillar.

The interior adopts a tan and black upholstery scheme, embroidered headrests, and a rear-seat entertainment display screen supplied as standard equipment, alongside rear cabin accessories including themed cushions and window sunshades. The EV retains its 38 kWh battery pack delivering 100 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a certified driving range of 332 kilometres per charge.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW MG Motor India, said, "The MG Windsor is an important product not only for us but for the EV segment, as it has encouraged many fence-sitters to embrace electric mobility. Reaching over 80,000 families in just 24 months is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the value the Windsor delivers to customers. Building on this success, the INDULGE Edition introduces exclusive enhancements and an elevated cabin experience, offering customers a more premium and personalised expression of the Windsor lifestyle. It reflects our commitment to continuously evolving the product in line with changing customer preferences while retaining the qualities that have made the Windsor a preferred choice in the EV segment."

The SUV retains its structural layout, including rear seatbacks capable of reclining up to 135 degrees and a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, as JSW MG Motor expands its electric vehicle lineup across domestic retail networks.

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