KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- E10 Renault cars E20 compatibility issues clarified by brand
- States no issues with early wear and tear
- Backed by internal testing and joint tests by IOC and ARAI
As India rapidly transitions towards higher ethanol blending in petrol, many car owners have expressed concerns about whether their vehicles can handle the shift. Addressing these queries, Renault India has issued a statement clarifying that its E10-certified cars, including the popular Triber, are compatible with E20 fuel. The announcement comes on the back of government-backed research that suggests no adverse impact on durability or performance when using E20 in vehicles originally certified for E10. Read on to find out more details on this development, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Customer Concerns Spark Clarification
The clarification follows a wave of questions from Renault cars owners after the rollout of E20 petrol across the country. One user recently took to social media to express doubts over his Triber's compatibility, citing conflicting advice from Renault's customer service team. To settle the confusion, Renault confirmed that extensive road testing by agencies has shown no drivability or performance issues with its models when operated on E20 petrol, despite them being certified under E10 norms at the time of launch.
Joint Study Backs Findings
Renault's statement finds support with a joint study conducted by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Commissioned by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the research tested the effects of E20 on E10-certified vehicles. Preliminary findings revealed no negative consequences on performance, starting ability, or material compatibility, further reassuring automakers and customers alike.
The MoPNG has highlighted additional benefits of the new fuel blend, claiming that E20 petrol can deliver improved acceleration, a smoother driving experience, and up to 30% lower carbon emissions compared to E10. While the ministry noted that older vehicles may require replacement of certain rubber and plastic components to avoid corrosion, newer models such as Renault's Triber appear unaffected.
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Brand's Assurance On Renault Cars
Reassuring its customers, Renault confirmed that the Triber and other models sold in India have been tested on E20 and demonstrated reliable performance. The company emphasized that customers can continue using their cars without worrying much about premature wear or efficiency losses, despite the cars being certified for E10 at launch.
Verdict
Renault's clarification brings much-needed relief to car owners as India pushes ahead with its ethanol-blending roadmap. By aligning with government studies and backing its claim with internal testing, the carmaker has strengthened confidence among its customers. With the government targeting 30% ethanol blending (E30) by 2030, it still remains to see if that percentage of blend is also sustainable for the E10 certified cars as the clouds still looms over the absolute clarity of it, given the fact that there are rumours about Maruti soon going to launch E20 kits for its older cars to make them less prone to the corrosive wear and tear.
