Maruti could offer E20 upgrade kits
Amidst concerns about E20 increasing the vehicle components suffering damage and dropping efficiency, Maruti Suzuki are likely to offer E20 material upgrade kits, even for models that go back to 10 and 15 years.
New Delhi: As the government pushes for the ethanol blending program and oil companies are unable to supply both E10 and E20 blends, there is some worry from vehicle owners. In terms of warranties, vehicle manufacturers at present are sticking with model-specific fuel recommendations. Still, some companies are trying to give some relief to owners of non-E20-compliant vehicles.
According to media sources, Maruti Suzuki is most likely to offer E20 material upgrade kits and would do so for models that go back to 10 and 15 years. There is no news about the pricing for the kits or whether they would be subsidised, or who would be providing that. The cost the E20 upgrade kits can fall between Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000, depending on the model. Other brands, too, are exploring upgrade programs and could have this order soon.
An upgrade to E20 compliance is technically practical in particularly from a compatibility point of view. Metal, rubber and plastic components like fuel lines, seals and gaskets do require replacing, and this can be easily achieved. There still remains some effort needed in testing and validating for engines that are no longer in production.
Developing these parts would be an additional factor. Moreover, the overall E20 might be an issue with retuning an engine to make sure that emission limits are within the rules as well. There have been concerns about the E20 causing a drop in efficiency, which the government recently reaffirmed that the number was minimal. Honda previously had made their entire lineup compatible with E20 fuel.