The enthusiastic Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has been one of the strongest supporters of ethanol blending in domestic fuel. His vision of pushing India towards flex fuel vehicles seems to have been met with optimism by automotive OEMs operating in India.
Tata Motors is among the 12 companies that Nitin Gadkari has confirmed are working with flex fuel technology. Based on the pre-facelift model, the Punch Flex Fuel was also showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo. Tata is expected to launch a flex fuel vehicle capable of up to E85 blends and its testing may begin with the new Punch facelift test mule seen recently.
Tata Punch Flex Fuel?
After Maruti Suzuki showcased the Wagon R Flex Fuel on June 4, 2026, Tata Motors has accelerated the development of its first flex fuel vehicle. Recent spy shots by automotive enthusiast Narinder Tandon show the test mule of the Tata Punch SUV in full camouflage, suggesting that Tata Motors may be working to launch or unveil its flex fuel vehicle in late 2026 or early 2027.
At the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, Tata Motors showcased the Punch Flex Fuel, which is capable of burning ethanol blends up to E85 (85% ethanol). It was based on the pre-facelift Punch and the new test mule, which can test a production-spec version of the flex fuel technology, is based on the new Punch facelift launched earlier this year.
To combust higher blends of ethanol, the Tata Punch Flex Fuel will have extensive modifications compared to the production-spec version of Punch Petrol or Punch i-CNG. The fuel storage systems and fuel supply lines were completely overhauled, along with upgraded fuel injectors, revised ECU (engine control unit) and a new exhaust treatment system.
what to expect?
The Indian government has already detailed the ethanol blending roadmap and BIS is expected to soon standardize E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels for domestic purposes. The government is working to expand the availability of E85 fuel in the country for current and future flex fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 fuel.
Currently, Honda, Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp have launched flex fuel vehicles in the country and Royal Enfield is also testing E85 compatibility. Maruti Suzuki has showcased the Wagon R Flex Fuel in the country and it is expected to be launched soon. Tata and Mahindra, among others, are also working on flex fuel vehicles.
The Indian government is yet to convince the consensus with solid evidence about the adverse effects of high ethanol blend fuel in vehicles adapted to run on low ethanol blends. Furthermore, it is not clear how existing fuel stations will maintain these different blends of fuel and the availability of E10 fuel is still a big question mark.
