What Are the Problems Faced in Vehicle After Using E20 Petrol: Complete Guide 2025

by Manish Yadav

If you are also curious about this, then this article will give you a detailed explanation of the challenges, effects on engine performance, fuel efficiency, and maintenance issues linked with E20 petrol.

Understanding E20 Petrol

Before moving into the problems, let’s first understand what E20 fuel means:

• Ethanol Percentage: E20 petrol has 20% ethanol content, compared to the regular E10 fuel which has 10% ethanol.
• Source: Ethanol is derived from sugarcane, maize, or other biomass sources, making it a renewable alternative.
• Purpose: The Government of India has set a target to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2025 to cut carbon emissions and reduce crude oil imports.

While this is a positive step, higher ethanol blending also brings certain challenges for existing vehicles.

What Are the Problems Faced in Vehicle After Using E20 Petrol

Let’s explore the major problems faced by vehicles when using E20 petrol.

1. Engine Compatibility Issues

• Older vehicles (manufactured before 2023) are mostly designed for E10 fuel.
• When they run on E20 petrol, the engine components such as fuel pumps, injectors, and carburetors may not function smoothly.
• Ethanol is more corrosive than petrol, which can damage rubber and plastic parts inside the engine.

2. Reduced Fuel Efficiency

• Ethanol has lower energy content than petrol.
• When blended at 20%, it can reduce mileage by 5–10% in non-compatible vehicles.
• This means that even though E20 may cost slightly less, the reduced mileage may increase running costs.

3. Starting Trouble in Cold Weather

• Ethanol has a higher tendency to absorb moisture from the air.
• This can cause starting problems during winters, especially in two-wheelers and older cars.
• In some cases, it may also lead to engine misfiring.

4. Corrosion of Metal Components

• Ethanol attracts water, which leads to rusting of metal fuel tanks, pipelines, and injectors.
• Vehicles with older steel fuel tanks are more prone to corrosion when exposed to E20 petrol.

5. Damage to Rubber Seals and Plastic Parts

• Ethanol can harden or crack rubber hoses, seals, and gaskets used in fuel systems.
• This can cause fuel leakage or require frequent replacement of such components.

6. Engine Knock or Reduced Power

• The combustion characteristics of E20 differ from normal petrol.
• If the engine is not tuned for ethanol, it may cause knocking (pinging sound) or reduced acceleration.
• Many users have reported loss of power in older two-wheelers when running on higher ethanol blends.

7. Frequent Maintenance Requirements

• Due to corrosion and deposit formation, vehicles running on E20 fuel may need more frequent servicing.
• Spark plugs, filters, and injectors may get clogged faster.
• This increases the maintenance cost for vehicle owners.

Which Vehicles Are E20-Compatible with E20 Petrol

1. Vehicles manufactured since April 2023
   • All new petrol vehicles sold in India from April 2023 onward are supposed to be E20-compliant.
   • That means their fuel systems (hoses, seals, injectors, gaskets, etc.) are designed or upgraded to handle 20% ethanol content without material failure or undue corrosion.
2. Some automaker confirmation
   • Mahindra & Mahindra has stated that its engines are fully compliant with E20 and will honour warranty claims on E20 usage.
   • SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) has also noted that E20-ready vehicles have been available since April 2023.
3. Pre-2023 vehicles
   • Vehicles made before April 2023 are generally not guaranteed to be E20-compatible.
   • Some older models may manage E20 without immediate dramatic problems, but may suffer from accelerated wear & tear, corrosion, damage to rubber/plastic/fuel-system components, higher maintenance, etc.
4. Flex-fuel vehicle development
   • Manufacturers are also working on flex-fuel vehicles (that can run on ethanol blends more broadly, possibly up to E85 or E100) but these are different from just E20-compliant regular engines.

Table: E20-Compatibility by Model / Brand in India

Brand	Models Confirmed E20-Compatible (post-2023 or verified)	Notes / Conditional / Not Clearly Confirmed Models
Cars
Hyundai	Creta (1.5 MPi & 1.4 turbo GDi) is E20-ready.	For older models before April 2023 or older engines, compatibility may not be guaranteed.
Maruti Suzuki	Grand Vitara (both 1.5 hybrid & 1.5 naturally-aspirated) listed as E20 compatible. Also many other newer Maruti models are reported E20 compatible.	Older models (pre-2023) may not have all fuel‐system components tuned/changed. Check fuel lid/manual.
Honda	Elevate, City, Amaze – Honda Cars India has announced its entire current lineup is now E20 fuel compliant. Also, Honda claims material compatibility since 2009.	Earlier generation cars may not have full performance tuning or warranty support for E20 in all regions.
Mahindra	XUV 3XO, XUV 7OO, Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio N since April 2023.	For older vehicles or special editions check manufacturer.
MG Motor	Astor, Hector, Hector+, Gloster: these are E20-compliant since BS VI Phase 2 (from ~April 2023) for many models.	Some engine variants (turbo vs NA) may differ; check specific trim.
Kia	Models like Sonet, Carens, Seltos are listed E20-compatible since ~April 2023.	Older year models of same names may not have all components upgraded.
Skoda / Volkswagen	Skoda Kushaq, Slavia; VW Taigun, Virtus etc. sold after April 2023 are E20-compatible.	Check production date and engine type. Some older units of same model before 2023 may be ambiguous.
Royal Enfield (Motorcycle)	Classic 350 (2023 version) is E20-compliant.	Older Classic 350 (pre-2023) may not have E20 compatibility; check variant.
Suzuki Bikes & Scooters	Gixxer series (including Gixxer SF 250), Access 125, Avenis, Burgman Street, V-Strom SX (for relevant variants), etc., have been updated to E20 compatibility.	Check if the specific model is updated; sometimes earlier stock or variants may be E10 only.
Other Two-Wheelers	Many brands are moving to E20 for newer models; however exact model/year needed.	For example, if the fuel tank flap/manual says E20 / fuel inlet flap marking, it is good sign.

How to Check If Your Vehicle Is E20-Compliant

To know whether your specific vehicle can safely run on E20 petrol, here are steps:

1. Check the owner’s manual / manufacturer’s documentation
   • There should be a note on fuel type / fuel blend compatibility. If it mentions E20 or “up to 20% ethanol” that is good.
2. Check the fuel system materials
   • E20 compatibility usually requires ethanol-resistant materials used for fuel lines, seals, gaskets, etc. Old rubber parts may degrade under E20.
3. Check the manufacturing date of the vehicle
   • If your car/bike was made April 2023 or later, it’s likely E20-ready.
   • If earlier, extra caution is needed.
4. Check with the manufacturer / service centre
   • Sometimes manufacturers issue statements, service advisories, or updates regarding E20 compatibility.
5. Check for warranty policy
   • Some manufacturers or brands may offer upgrade kits or replacement of rubber/plastic parts if damage occurs. Also, using non-approved fuel types might void warranty in some cases.

How to Minimize Problems While Using E20 Petrol

If you own a vehicle and are concerned about E20 fuel, here are some tips:

1. Check Compatibility – Refer to your vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
2. Use Quality Fuel – Always fill petrol from authorized pumps to avoid contamination.
3. Frequent Servicing – Clean injectors, replace spark plugs, and check filters regularly.
4. Fuel System Care – Replace rubber hoses and seals with ethanol-resistant materials if possible.
5. Avoid Long Storage – Don’t store vehicles with E20 fuel for long periods, as ethanol absorbs moisture and may cause damage.

Government’s Efforts to Tackle the Challenges

The government and auto industry are working to overcome these issues:

• New vehicle design: Automakers are upgrading engines, seals, and fuel systems to handle E20 fuel safely.
• Awareness programs: Companies are informing customers about compatibility and precautions.
• Phased rollout: E20 fuel is being introduced in a phased manner so that vehicle owners and manufacturers can adapt gradually.

Advantages of E20 Petrol Despite Challenges

Even though there are challenges, E20 fuel also offers benefits:

• Lower carbon emissions – Environmentally friendly compared to 100% petrol.
• Reduced oil imports – Saves foreign exchange for the country.
• Support to farmers – Ethanol is made from crops like sugarcane and maize, boosting rural economy.

Thus, while vehicle owners may face some short-term problems, the long-term benefits of E20 fuel are significant.

What are the Allegations

1. Conflict of Interest / Favoring Family Businesses
   • Critics claim that the E20 ethanol blending policy disproportionately benefits certain ethanol-producing firms in which Nitin Gadkari’s sons have stakes (e.g. sugar/distillery/ethanol companies). This is seen by some as a conflict of interest.
   • The allegation is that with the policy’s rollout, those companies will have more business, subsidies or contracts, thereby giving financial gains to his family.
2. Reduced Fuel Efficiency, Engine Damage, Increased Maintenance Costs
   • Vehicle owners and experts have alleged that E20 fuel leads to lower mileage/fuel economy (because ethanol has lower energy content), possible damage to older vehicles, rubber/plastic components, and higher maintenance expenses. Critics assert that the rollout might be premature for many pre-2023 vehicles that were not designed for E20.
3. Exaggeration / Misinformation Campaign
   • Some people allege that there has been misinformation, exaggerated claims, or unverified reports on social media about how bad E20 is for vehicles. These include anecdotal reports of engine trouble, loss of power, etc., sometimes without strong scientific or certified verification.

What Gadkari Says in Response

1. Denial of Wrongdoing & Conflict
   • Gadkari has strongly denied any fraud or misuse. He says he has “no shortage of money,” that his income is ample. He has claimed his “brain is worth” a high amount (e.g., “Rs 200 crore a month”) and thus suggests he does not need to resort to nepotism or dishonest deals.
   • He also says he “gives business ideas” to his son but alleges he does not engage in fraud or favour companies in a way that violates norms.
2. Blaming Political Motives & “Paid Campaign”
   • One of Gadkari’s main responses is that much of the criticism and social media campaign against E20 is “paid” and “politically motivated,” with the aim of targeting him personally.
   • He has said regulators, automobile manufacturers (SIAM), and even the Supreme Court have already given clarity or support to the E20 policy—thus, he frames opposition as not being based on technical or legal basis.
3. Defending Efficacy & Safety
   • Gadkari claims that E20 was “tested before approval,” and that fuel economy (mileage) is not negatively affected (or only marginally) in compliant vehicles.
   • He insists that concerns about damage, decreased mileage etc. are mostly from older or non-E20-ready vehicles.

Additional Context & Why the Debate is Intense

• Ethanol blending is a component of India’s push for cleaner fuels, reducing dependence on oil imports, and supporting agriculture (sugarcane, maize, etc.). E20 is seen by the government as important for energy security.
• There are technical concerns particularly for older vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends, so critics want protections, clarity on warranties, materials used, etc.
• There’s legal and regulatory backing: SIAM, ARAI, Supreme Court have been involved in clarifying aspects of E20’s rollout. Some PILs (public interest litigations) have been dismissed.

What’s Verified & What’s Still Unclear

• Verified / Stronger Evidence: That Gadkari’s sons or family have some stake in ethanol / sugar / distillery business is reported; that there has been criticism from owners and experts about fuel efficiency etc.; and that SIAM, ARAI, Supreme Court have given statements in favour of or clarifying E20 policy.
• Less Verified / Still Under Investigation: Any proven case of large-scale damage to vehicles directly attributable to E20; quantification of how much benefit family businesses are getting; whether the “paid campaign” claims have strong evidence (i.e. details of who pays, how much, etc.).

How Farmers Benefit from Ethanol Blending in Petrol

One of the biggest advantages of E20 petrol is the benefit it brings to Indian farmers:

1. Higher Demand for Crops – Ethanol in India is mainly produced from sugarcane, maize, and other food grains. With the government pushing for 20% ethanol blending, demand for these crops will increase.
2. Better Income Opportunities – Farmers who supply sugarcane and maize to ethanol plants will earn more due to assured procurement at fair prices. This reduces dependence on middlemen.
3. Reduction in Crop Surplus Wastage – Many times, surplus sugarcane or maize leads to wastage and lower market prices. Ethanol plants create an alternate market for these crops, ensuring farmers don’t suffer heavy losses.
4. Boost to Rural Economy – Ethanol production plants are often set up near agricultural zones. This generates local employment and improves the rural economy alongside farming income.
5. Government Support & Subsidies – The Government of India provides financial support, subsidies, and incentives to ethanol-producing units. Farmers indirectly benefit from these schemes as their produce gets more stable demand.

So, while vehicle owners may face some challenges with E20 fuel, farmers stand to gain significantly through higher crop demand, better income, and reduced wastage. This is one of the key reasons why the government strongly supports ethanol blending in petrol.

What Are the Problems Faced in Vehicle After Using E20 Petrol Conclusion

So, what are the problems faced in vehicle after using E20 petrol? The key issues include engine compatibility, reduced mileage, corrosion, damage to rubber parts, starting troubles, and higher maintenance needs. However, these challenges mainly affect older vehicles not designed for E20 fuel.

Newer models manufactured after 2023 are increasingly E20-ready and will run smoothly without major issues. Vehicle owners should always check compatibility and follow proper maintenance practices when using E20 petrol.

In the long run, E20 fuel is a step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, even though it requires adjustments from both manufacturers and consumers today.

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