India’s fuel landscape is changing rapidly, with the government pushing for greener and more sustainable alternatives to traditional petrol. One of the key steps in this journey is the rollout of E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. While this shift is aimed at reducing emissions and cutting crude oil imports, many car owners are worried about its impact on performance and efficiency.
Drivers often report that E20 petrol mileage is lower compared to standard petrol, mainly because ethanol carries less energy than gasoline. But the good news is, with the right driving techniques, regular maintenance, and smart fuel practices, you can minimize the mileage drop and even make your car run more efficiently on this new blend.
In this blog, we’ll break down how E20 fuel works, why it affects mileage, and practical tips you can adopt to keep your fuel efficiency at its best.
What is E20 Petrol?
E20 fuel is a blend made up of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel, typically produced from crops like sugarcane and corn. By mixing it with petrol, the government aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, support farmers, and cut harmful carbon emissions.
India has set ambitious targets for ethanol blending in petrol, with E20 being a key milestone in this transition. While regular petrol (E10 or lower) has already been in use across the country, the push for E20 is part of India’s strategy to move toward greener energy and sustainable mobility.
But here’s where things get tricky for car owners. Ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, meaning it produces less energy per litre. This is why many drivers notice a dip in E20 petrol mileage compared to normal petrol. Although the reduction is usually in the range of 5-10%, the actual impact depends on factors like your car’s engine design, compatibility with ethanol, and driving habits.
In short, E20 petrol is an eco-friendly step forward, but drivers need to understand its properties to make the most out of every litre.
How E20 Petrol Affects Mileage?
The main reason why many drivers are concerned about E20 fuel is its effect on mileage. Ethanol, being an alcohol-based fuel, has lower energy density compared to petrol. In simple terms, one litre of ethanol produces less power than one litre of petrol. When blended at 20%, this difference becomes noticeable in your car’s overall fuel efficiency.
On average, vehicles running on E20 can experience a 5-10% drop in mileage compared to conventional petrol. For example, if your car delivers 15 km/litre on regular petrol, you may get around 13.5-14 km/litre with E20 fuel. This variation depends on several factors:
- Car Model & Engine Design: Newer cars that are designed with E20 compatibility in mind handle the blend better and lose less mileage. Older engines may struggle more.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, or idling exaggerates the mileage drop.
- Engine Condition: A poorly maintained engine consumes more fuel, and with E20, the efficiency loss gets amplified.
It’s also important to note that E20 fuel tends to absorb moisture from the air. Over time, this can slightly affect combustion quality if the car is not regularly serviced.
In short, while E20 petrol mileage is naturally lower, its impact can be managed with conscious driving and maintenance habits, something we’ll cover in the next sections.
Tips to Increase Mileage with E20 Petrol
Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve E20 petrol mileage is by keeping your tyres properly inflated. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more fuel to move the car forward. Since E20 fuel already delivers slightly lower energy per litre, this added resistance can worsen the mileage drop.
Make it a habit to check tyre pressure at least once a week, ideally in the morning when tyres are cold. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels, which are usually printed on the driver-side door frame or in the car manual. Also, remember that seasonal changes in temperature can affect tyre pressure, so during summer and winter, more frequent checks may be needed.
Correct tyre pressure not only saves fuel but also extends tyre life, making it a win-win for both efficiency and safety.
Smooth driving habits
Driving style makes a huge difference in E20 petrol mileage. Rapid acceleration, frequent braking, and sudden lane changes not only waste fuel but also strain the engine. Since E20 fuel already provides slightly less energy than regular petrol, aggressive driving exaggerates the drop in efficiency.
A smoother approach helps conserve fuel. Accelerate gradually instead of pressing hard on the pedal, and maintain a steady speed wherever possible. Use higher gears when driving on highways to reduce engine load, and anticipate traffic flow so you don’t need to brake and accelerate unnecessarily. Cruise control, if available, can also help on long stretches of road.
Practicing smooth driving doesn’t just save petrol, it reduces wear on brakes and tyres, leading to lower maintenance costs over time. With E20, this mindful driving habit becomes even more important to keep mileage close to what you’re used to.
Regular engine servicing
With the introduction of E20 fuel, keeping your engine in top condition is more important than ever. Ethanol, being alcohol-based, can absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Over time, this may affect components like spark plugs, fuel injectors, and filters if not maintained properly. A poorly serviced engine will burn more fuel, directly lowering your E20 petrol mileage.
Regular servicing ensures that air filters remain clean, spark plugs fire correctly, and injectors deliver the right amount of fuel. If these parts are clogged or worn out, combustion becomes less efficient, which magnifies the mileage drop that naturally comes with E20 fuel.
It’s a good idea to follow your manufacturer’s service schedule strictly, and if you notice rough idling, difficulty starting, or higher fuel consumption, get the car checked immediately. Preventive care not only saves fuel but also avoids expensive repairs later.
Use manufacturer-recommended engine oil
Engine oil plays a critical role in reducing friction and keeping the engine running smoothly. With E20 fuel, using the right oil becomes even more important because ethanol can alter the way the engine components interact. Manufacturers often specify engine oils that are compatible with ethanol blends, and sticking to these recommendations helps improve E20 petrol mileage.
If the oil is too thick (wrong viscosity grade), the engine works harder, consuming more fuel. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, it won’t provide adequate protection. Both scenarios hurt efficiency. Modern synthetic oils are usually designed to withstand ethanol blends better, ensuring smoother combustion and less wear.
Regularly checking oil levels and changing it at the prescribed intervals also keeps your car’s fuel efficiency steady. In short, the right engine oil ensures that you get the best possible mileage even with E20 fuel.
Keep vehicle lightweight
Carrying extra weight is one of the hidden reasons why fuel efficiency drops. The heavier your car, the more energy the engine needs to move it forward. Since E20 fuel already delivers slightly less energy than conventional petrol, unnecessary weight can further reduce your E20 petrol mileage.
Start by clearing out items from the boot or back seat that you don’t regularly need. Things like old tools, heavy bags, or unused accessories add kilos without serving any purpose. Similarly, if you have a roof rack or carrier that’s not being used, it’s better to remove it. Roof-mounted accessories not only add weight but also increase air drag, both of which consume extra fuel.
Keeping your car lean and light allows the engine to operate more efficiently, helping you recover some of the mileage lost when running on E20 fuel.
Long-Term Solutions for Better Mileage with E20
While driving habits and regular maintenance help improve short-term E20 petrol mileage, long-term solutions depend on technology and vehicle design. As India moves toward ethanol-blended fuels, automakers are gradually upgrading engines and systems to handle them better.
- E20-Compatible Cars: Many new models are now built with E20 compatibility. These engines are calibrated to burn the ethanol blend more efficiently, reducing the mileage drop. If you’re planning to buy a new car, checking for E20 readiness is a smart move.
- ECU Remapping: Some modern vehicles can undergo electronic control unit (ECU) remapping. This fine-tunes the fuel-air mixture and ignition timing for E20 fuel, leading to improved performance and efficiency.
- Flex-Fuel Vehicles: In the coming years, India will see more flex-fuel cars, engines designed to run on different ethanol blends, from E10 to E85. These vehicles automatically adjust settings for the blend in use, ensuring optimal efficiency.
Conclusion
Switching to E20 fuel is part of India’s long-term plan to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on imported oil. While the shift is good for the environment and the economy, many drivers are concerned about E20 petrol mileage. It’s true that ethanol has a lower energy density, which naturally reduces fuel efficiency by 5-10%.
But this mileage drop doesn’t have to be a burden. With small changes like maintaining tyre pressure, adopting smooth driving habits, servicing your engine on time, and keeping your car lightweight, you can offset much of the difference. For the future, investing in E20-compatible or flex-fuel cars will ensure your vehicle is ready for ethanol blends without compromising efficiency.
In short, E20 fuel is here to stay. The smarter you adapt your driving and maintenance habits today, the better mileage and performance you’ll enjoy tomorrow.
FAQs on E20 Fuel and Mileage
Q. Does E20 petrol damage car engines?
If your vehicle is certified as E20-compatible, using this fuel will not damage the engine. For older cars, prolonged use may cause wear on components like rubber seals and fuel pipes. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before switching fully to E20 fuel.
Q. How much mileage drop can I expect with E20 petrol?
On average, cars experience a 5-10% reduction in mileage. For instance, a vehicle giving 15 km/litre on regular petrol may deliver around 13.5-14 km/litre with E20. Driving habits and engine condition also influence E20 petrol mileage.
Q. Can old cars run on E20 fuel?
Yes, but with caution. Cars not designed for E20 may face reduced performance and faster wear of components. If your car is more than 5-7 years old, it’s wise to confirm compatibility with the manufacturer.
Q. Which cars are E20 compatible in India?
Many newer models launched after April 2023 are E20-ready. Brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, and Honda have started offering vehicles built for ethanol-blended fuels. Always verify compatibility in the user manual.
Q. Is there any cost benefit to using E20 petrol?
Ethanol is locally produced, which helps reduce India’s oil import bill. While this may not lower pump prices immediately, supporting E20 fuels contributes to long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Q. How often should I service my car with E20 fuel?
Stick to your manufacturer’s service schedule, but be more vigilant with parts like spark plugs, injectors, and filters. Since ethanol absorbs moisture, timely servicing ensures better mileage and smooth performance.
