Mahindra is taking decisive action toward India’s green fuel future by preparing flex-fuel engines for its upcoming SUVs. These engines are being engineered to run on petrol blended with 30 percent ethanol (E30)—and potentially even higher ethanol mixtures—anticipating the government’s E30 target by 2030. Central to this initiative is Mahindra’s new NU-IQ modular platform. It's designed to accommodate multiple powertrains and models, making it an ideal foundation for ethanol-ready flex-fuel engines.

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What Tech Upgrades Are Required?

To run reliably on E30 and beyond, engines need more than software updates. Key enhancements include:

Ethanol-blend sensors to detect the real-time fuel mix and adjust engine controls accordingly.

Heaters for injectors and fuel rails to ensure clean cold starts in cooler conditions.

Corrosion-resistant components (fuel lines, seals, injectors) to withstand ethanol’s aggressive nature.

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Industry Momentum Builds

Mahindra isn’t alone. At the Auto Expo 2025, several automakers showcased similar flex-fuel initiatives:

• Hyundai revealed the Creta 1.0 Flex Fuel.
• Tata displayed an E85-compatible Punch.
• Maruti Suzuki introduced the Wagon R Flex Fuel prototype.
• Toyota highlighted its hybrid Innova Hycross capable of running on E20+ blends.

Why Flex-Fuel Isn’t Just Trendy—It’s Tactical

The move toward flex-fuel aligns with evolving Indian regulations, including the upcoming CAFE 3 norms expected in April 2027, which grant flex-fuel vehicles regulatory parity with electric vehicles. This shift is part of a broader push to reduce crude imports, support ethanol production, and lower emissions.

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The Road Ahead

Although Mahindra hasn't shared an official launch timeline for its flex-fuel SUVs, the company is clearly engineering ahead. By integrating the right sensors, heating systems, and resilient materials, it's positioning its SUVs to run dependably on E30—or even pure ethanol—in the future.