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Mileage can drop by 2-6% in vehicles running on E20 petrol, according to extensive testing by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).<\/p>
However, the government-backed automotive testing agency says the higher ethanol blend does not cause engine failures or major performance issues in compatible vehicles, with long-term trials covering 40,000 km in passenger vehicles and 20,000 km in two-wheelers finding E20 to be safe for regular use.\u00a0<\/p>
ARAI’s findings, based on studies conducted with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), show that while ethanol has a lower energy content than petrol \u2014 leading to a modest reduction in fuel economy \u2014 drivability, startability and acceleration remain unaffected. The tests also recorded significant reductions in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) emissions.\u00a0<\/p>
MUST READ |\u00a0Bhutan turns down E20 petrol from Indian OMCs? Here’s the science behind its decision\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> The durability study found that metal and plastic fuel system components are compatible with E20 fuel. However, some older rubber hoses, seals and gaskets in vehicles not originally designed for E20 may degrade faster and require earlier replacement.\u00a0<\/p> Explaining the mileage impact, ARAI Director Reji Mathai told ANI <\/em>that ethanol has a slightly lower calorific value than petrol, which naturally results in a small reduction in fuel economy.\u00a0<\/p> DON’T MISS |\u00a0Centre denies reports claiming E20 programme was termed an \u2018experiment\u2019 before Supreme Court<\/strong><\/p> “The studies were done along with the OEMs… to assess the impact of E20 compared to E10. We understand that ethanol as a fuel has a slightly lower calorific value. So the blend also has a slightly lower calorific value.”\u00a0<\/p>