E20: But Grandpa’s fuel didn’t burn like this!!

Remember the good old days when petrol was just… petrol?

Simple. Dependable. No surprises.

Well, not anymore.

While diesel is still as pure as your dadi’s cooking oil and CNG remains as untouched as a monk’s playlist, petrol has entered its “party era.”

Say hello to E10 — that’s 90% petrol, 10% ethanol.

But the government? They’re ready to crank it up to E20. Yes, 20% ethanol — because why not?

Wait, What’s E20 Again?

We did explain it in our previous blog "Shift to E20 Fuel in India: What It Means for Your Vehicle".

Didn’t read it? No stress — here’s the quick lowdown:

E = Ethanol (yes, the same stuff that helped fight germs during lockdown)
20 = The percentage of ethanol now being mixed into your petrol

At this very moment, you’re already running on E10. But by the end of 2025, your friendly neighbourhood pump will be serving you a full E20 cocktail — whether your car’s ready for it or not.

Noticed your ride acting moody lately? Now you know why.

Why All This Ethanol Drama?

Well, Glad you asked:

Cleaner emissions – Ethanol brings its own oxygen to the combustion party. Eco-friendly vibes.
Saves money – India saved ₹2 lakh crore in 2023-24 just by blending ethanol.
Good for farmers – It’s made from sugarcane. And we’ve got a lot of it.

Great for the country. But your car? Hmm... not necessarily invited to this afterparty.

So... Is This Bad for My Car?

Well, if your car was made before 2023, then... kind of, yeah.

Here’s what E20 can do to an E10-only vehicle:

Corrosion – Ethanol can chew through rubber hoses, seals, and gaskets. Basically, anything soft and innocent.
Lower fuel efficiency – Expect mileage to drop faster than your phone on a tiled floor.
Engine misfires – Because ethanol doesn’t pack the same punch as petrol.
Warranty issues – Brands like KIA and Jeep have openly said: “Use E20 in an E10 car? LOL. Warranty void.”

But New Cars Are Safe... Right?

Right!

Since 2023, most new petrol cars in India are coming prepped for the ethanol party with:

Ethanol-resistant parts (basically fuel-proof sunscreen)
Smarter ECUs and sensors (more brains, less drama)
Tuned engines that go, “E20? Bring it on!!

Fun fact:

Toyota has been quietly making E20-compatible cars since 2013.
Honda?- Since 2009.

They didn’t brag about it, but they deserve the slow clap!!

Still Driving a Pre-2023 Car?

Don’t worry — your car won’t explode. But it might behave like a marathon runner forced to jog in Crocs.

Here’s what you might experience:

More visits to your mechanic
Slightly lower mileage
Premature wear and tear
Warranty horror stories

In short: your car will run, but it won’t thrive.

If your mileage is dipping and your mechanic suddenly knows you by name — yep, E20 might be the reason.

Should You Panic?

Nope. But should you be aware? 100%.

Here’s what you can do:

Check your owner’s manual for ethanol compatibility
Driving a Toyota or Honda? You’re probably safe — well done.
Do you own a 2022 or older car? Just stay alert. You could start saving up for fuel lines and rubber parts.

By the end of 2025, when petrol turns 20% alcohol across India, your car might start acting like it had one too many. Already implemented in Delhi... meh