Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel: Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch its first-ever Flex Fuel car in the Indian market, a vehicle that runs on sugarcane juice. The compact car, expected to debut in the Indian market by 2025, is a significant move by Maruti to provide customers with an alternative fuel option amid rising petrol and diesel prices.
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Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel:
The Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel was recently unveiled at the Auto Expo, marking a notable addition to Maruti Suzuki’s range. The car is set to be locally engineered, with 20% to 85% ethanol-blended engines, offering not only cost-effective mileage but also power generation comparable to traditional petrol engines.
Features of Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel:
The vehicle will be equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, specially modified for ethanol use. Despite substantial modifications to the engine, Maruti Suzuki assures that the Flex Fuel variant will provide superior power output, making it an environmentally friendly and powerful choice.
According to Maruti Suzuki, the Flex Fuel variant is projected to reduce emissions by up to 79% compared to its petrol counterpart. This environmentally conscious approach aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on performance.
Nitin Gadkari’s Endorsement:
Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has openly endorsed the adoption of Flex Fuel technology in India. Speaking at an event, he encouraged the use of Flex Fuel engines, emphasizing that it would lead to a self-reliant India and eliminate the need for costly petrol imports.
Flex Fuel technology allows vehicles to run on a blend of 20% to 85% ethanol, providing an economical and indigenous alternative to traditional petrol. Maruti Suzuki has expressed readiness to embrace this technology fully, asserting that the foundational infrastructure is in place.
Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel Video
Understanding Flex Fuel Technology:
Flex Fuel engines, also known as ethanol engines, utilize a blend of petrol and methanol or ethanol as an alternative fuel source. These engines are designed to operate on multiple types of fuels, necessitating adjustments to both the engine and fuel system for seamless integration. The production of Flex Fuel involves the fermentation of starch and sugar, making it a viable and cost-efficient option.
Apart from its environmental benefits, the use of ethanol in Flex Fuel engines proves economically advantageous, with ethanol prices ranging between ₹60 to ₹70 per liter, significantly lower than the current ₹100 per liter for petrol in the Indian market.
The Future of Flex Fuel in India:
While the introduction of Flex Fuel technology in the Indian market is still on the horizon, there is a growing momentum and enthusiasm surrounding its potential. Several upcoming vehicles, including the Toyota Innova High Cross, have been showcased internationally with Flex Fuel technology, hinting at a promising future for this alternative fuel source in the Indian automotive landscape.
In conclusion, Maruti’s foray into Flex Fuel technology signifies a step towards a more sustainable and economically viable future for the Indian automobile industry. As the nation grapples with soaring fuel prices, embracing alternative fuels like ethanol becomes not just an environmental responsibility but a strategic move towards self-sufficiency and economic empowerment, both for the consumers and the farming community. The road ahead seems promising, with Flex Fuel technology poised to make a lasting impact on India’s automotive sector.
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