KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Mahindra working on flex-fuel engines for future
- To be compatible with E30 initially, with upto E85 in later stages
- Future-proofing in sight, considering expected higher ethanol percentages
With India aggressively pushing for cleaner fuel alternatives, Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to take a big step toward future-proofing its SUVs. The company has confirmed that it is working on flex fuel engines designed to run on higher ethanol blends, ensuring compatibility as the government aims to move towards E30 petrol (30% ethanol blend) by 2030. Not just this, the brand is also targeting up to 100 percent ethanol-compatible engines for better future prospects. Read on to find out more details about this latest news, 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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Mahindra Flex Fuel Engines: Preparing For E30 & Beyond
The adoption of ethanol-blended petrol in India is rapidly accelerating, with E20 fuel already being rolled out across the country. However, the government's long-term target is E30 by 2030, and Mahindra wants to make sure its next-generation models are ready when that shift happens. The automaker's upcoming NU_IQ modular platform, which can support multiple powertrain technologies, will also serve as the foundation for its ethanol-compatible engines.
Running engines on E30 or higher ethanol content requires more than just minor tweaks, which is why Mahindra is reengineering its powertrains with advanced ethanol content sensors to monitor the real-time blend of petrol and ethanol, fuel rail and injector heaters to ensure smooth cold starts in colder conditions, and corrosion-resistant components to withstand the more aggressive nature of ethanol that can damage critical engine parts over time. With these upgrades in place, Mahindra's future engines could eventually operate even on 100% ethanol, significantly reducing dependence on pure fossil fuels. Although first, the development will aim for E85 compatibility and the advancements will only be gradual, given the complex and numerous factors that will have to be adjusted in harmony with each other.
Flex-Fuel Vehicles: The Next Shift?
Flex-fuel technology was one of the biggest highlights of Auto Expo 2025, with several automakers showcasing their ethanol-compatible prototypes. Hyundai revealed a Creta 1.0 Flex Fuel, Tata displayed an E85-ready Punch, and Maruti Suzuki showcased the Wagon R Flex Fuel. Mahindra's entry into this space shows its intent to stay competitive as the industry adapts to new fuel standards.
Although Mahindra has not announced a launch timeline for its flex-fuel models, the move is clearly part of its long-term strategy to align with India's fuel transition roadmap. However, the road will not be without challenges. Since the rollout of E20 fuel, many users across India have reported drops in mileage and performance, which means automakers will need to strike the right balance between efficiency, reliability, and durability when reengineering their engines.
Verdict
Mahindra's flex-fuel plans highlight its proactive approach to adapting for an ethanol-driven future. By preparing engines that can handle E30 and beyond, the brand is safeguarding its SUVs against upcoming fuel regulations which already have the buyers in suspicion over the drawback and potnetial risks. If Mahindra can manage to deliver the same rugged performance its SUVs are known for, without compromising on efficiency which plays a hige role in the Indian context, it could very well be settling itself for a steady and smooth shift towards greener vehciles.
