After introducing its new NU-IQ modular platform, Mahindra confirmed that it is working on flex-fuel engines for its future SUV line-up.
The upcoming engines will be capable of running on E30 fuel (30% ethanol blend) and may also support higher ethanol concentrations.
To handle E30 fuel, engines require ethanol sensors for real-time blend detection and heaters for injectors and fuel rails to ensure smooth cold starts.
India aims to achieve nationwide adoption of E30 fuel by 2030, which is driving automakers to reengineer engines for compatibility.
Several carmakers are pursuing flex-fuel tech — Hyundai Creta 1.0 Flex Fuel, Tata Motors Punch E85-ready version, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype and Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid adaptable to E20 and higher ethanol blends.