By Maruti Suzuki showcased the first vehicle from the brand to switch to flex fuel in the country. The Wagon R prototype that runs on flex fuel is unveiled in New Delhi today. The flex-fuel vehicles will encourage a lot of early adopters towards EV tech. The prototype flex Fuel hatch is engineered to run on any ethanol petrol blend between 20% (E20) and 85% (E85) fuel. The flex fuel vehicle was unveiled by Nithin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The prototype Wagon R is designed and developed by the engineers of Maruti Suzuki in India with support from Suzuki Corporation. The engine has done a few modifications to handle the corrosive nature of ethanol and its lower calorific value. Ethanol sensors to measure the percentage and a heated fuel rail for cold start assist have been introduced in the engine. It gets an updated engine management system and a more robust fuel pump and injectors as well as other mechanical components for better endurance of the engine. This particular powertrain complies with the upcoming and more stringent BS6 Phase-II emission norms as well. The Wagon R flex fuel prototype will help reduce tailpipe GHG emissions by 79 %. The Wagon R is the second car flex-fuel car in India unveiled the first flex-fuel car unveiled was the Toyota Corolla.
“Maruti Suzuki has consistently aligned itself with the national objectives of reducing the country’s oil import burden and improving the environment. Designed and developed locally in India with support from SMC, Japan, the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype vehicle emboldens the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ efforts ” said, Managing Director & CEO, of Maruti Suzuki India Limited Mr Hisashi Takeuchi. With the introduction of the Flexfuel vehicle, the brand now offers- flex-fuel, petrol, CNG, mild hybrid, and strong hybrid powertrain options in the country.
