The government is considering broadening the definition of automotive fuels to incorporate higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. A draft notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways suggests amendments to allow ethanol blends up to 100 per cent (E100) and 85 per cent (E85), as well as biodiesel blends up to 100 per cent (B100).
The proposed changes also include adjustments to hydrogen-CNG terminology, switching from ‘Hydrogen + CN’ to ‘Hydrogen + CNG’, and making technical corrections in emission tables. Vehicles produced post-April 2023 are currently compliant with E20 fuel and can run on ethanol blends up to 20 per cent, with some models designed for higher blends.
Additionally, the draft recommends raising the permissible gross vehicle weight for specific categories to 3,500 kg from the current 3,000 kg. The draft is open for public feedback, with objections and suggestions invited within 30 days before finalizing the amendments.
