Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said Maruti Suzuki will introduce a flex-fuel car that can run on 100% ethanol on June 5, marking World Environment Day.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Gadkari described petrol and diesel as a major environmental challenge for India and said he was encouraged by the growing rollout of electric two-wheelers, cars, buses and trucks. He also noted that electric tractors have entered the market.
Gadkari said he arrived in a vehicle capable of running entirely on bio-ethanol, adding that ethanol is being sold at around Rs 65 per litre. He claimed the vehicle generates about 60% electricity while running and said he has been using it for the past 1.5 years.
Comparing costs with petrol and diesel, he said the fuel expense works out to about Rs 25 per litre, calling ethanol a domestic, less-polluting alternative that can reduce dependence on imports. He added that more flex-fuel engine vehicles are expected soon, and noted that 12 companies—including Toyota, Tata, Mahindra and Suzuki—have already introduced similar vehicles.
He urged a reduction in the use of petrol, diesel and gas, stating that about 87% of these fuels are imported, which adds to pollution and increases the import burden.
