Mumbai, June 05, 2023: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., a leading provider in the energy sector, and Ashok Leyland have initiated a pilot program to test the effectiveness of ED7 (Diesel blended with 7 % Ethanol) fuel. This program aims to transform India’s bio-fuel economy and achieve a stable energy mix.
The ED7 (Diesel blended with 7 % Ethanol) fuel blend, developed by BPCL-R&D, consists of 93% diesel and 7% ethanol. The blend has undergone rigorous testing and validation on the engine test bench in collaboration with Ashok Leyland.
Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said, “In pursuit of India’s commitment towards NET ZERO, BPCL is developing sustainable fuel options under the clean fuel development program in association with leading automotive OEM’s, Ashok Leyland and Hero MotoCorp is committed towards developing sustainable fuel options. BPCL has commenced the supply of E20 in many cities across the nation. Today’s flag off of the Pilot ED7(Diesel blended with 7% Ethanol) for buses with Ashok Leyland and flex fuels (E27&E85) for two wheelers along with Hero Mototcorp is a step by BPCL towards our country’s aim of reducing import bill & providing sustainability. Increased use of Ethanol enables farmers transforming from अन्नदाता से उर्जादाता। This world environment day, BPCL takes the lead to move towards cleaner fuels for a better tomorrow.”
Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing), BPCL, said, “BPCL has been a pioneer in Fuel Retailing initiatives, leading the transformation towards a sustainable future. The field pilot of ED7 (Diesel blended with 7% Ethanol) and Flexi Fuel is an ambitious initiative to enhance the economic prosperity of large farming population and its contribution in India’s GDP, as well as drive a change to a cleaner and greener future.”
Ashok Leyland conducted extensive laboratory trials on their engines using the ED7 (Diesel blended with 7 % Ethanol) fuel. The ED7 (Diesel blended with 7% Ethanol) fuel blend showcases a remarkable reduction in pollution levels, including Particulate Matter and Nitrogen oxides (NOx). The blend can be seamlessly adopted by diesel vehicles without requiring any significant modifications in engine. After the pilot program, a comprehensive report will be submitted to ARAI, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for developing a roadmap for commercial implementation of the fuel. With ethanol readily available in India, the study targets to establish ethanol blend in diesel to the tune of 7%, with an aim to reduce energy bill for the country.
Hero MotoCorp, in alignment with its vision of being the future of mobility, has developed a Flex-Fuel Prototype at its Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. The vehicle, equipped with a 125cc BS6 engine, can run on ethanol-blended petrol mixtures ranging from 20% (E20) to 85% (E85) ethanol blends. The Flex-Fuel Prototype utilizes advanced software to detect the ethanol blend in the fuel and adjust engine control parameters accordingly, ensuring a trouble-free riding experience. The engine’s performance and emissions remain uncompromised across the entire blend range.
BPCL, Ashok Leyland, and Hero MotoCorp’s initiatives mark significant milestones in India’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with the Government of India’s vision to promote renewable fuel technologies, reduce carbon emissions, and foster economic stability.