Maruti Suzuki introduces first flex fuel prototype car in India

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (Maruti Suzuki) informed the exchanges that it has unveiled the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype model in Delhi. The first-of-its-kind mass segment Flex Fuel prototype car was launched in the presence of Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Aligned with the government’s clean and green initiatives, the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype has been designed to run on any ethanol-petrol blend between 20 percent (E20) and 85 percent (E85) fuel. The car is designed and developed locally by engineers of Maruti Suzuki, with necessary support from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.

The Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype vehicle has an upgraded engine designed specifically to use higher ethanol-blended petrol. To make the engine compatible with higher ethanol blends (E20-E85), new fuel system technologies like heated fuel rail for cold start assist and ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage detection have been built. Further, components like engine management system, upgraded fuel pump and fuel injector, among others, have been developed along with the upgradation of other mechanical components to ensure engine as well as vehicle durability.

To align with the latest regulations, Maruti Suzuki has developed engine management system strategies and emission control systems to comply with the stringent BS6 Phase-II emission norms.

Notably, with the aim of promoting clean-fuel vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has started working on a variety of technologies including electric, hybrid electric, CNG, bio-gas, ethanol, flex-fuel, etc. The company has already announced its commitment to make its entire product range E20 fuel material compliant by March 2023.