M&M Clarifies E20 Use Affects Performance of Older Vehicles

Transport minister Nitin Gadkari had called criticism against E20 a political smear campaign

- Ayaan Kartik

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is set to become the first Indian automaker to issue an advisory on the use of E20 ethanol-blended fuel, acknowledging that older vehicles may face reduced performance.

The company clarified that while E20 is safe, engines not calibrated for 20% ethanol mixing could see a dip in output.

"Mahindra is drafting an advisory on the E20 blended fuel, which should reach customers next week," Nalini-kanth Gollagunta, chief executive officer of the automobile division, said on the sidelines of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) annual convention on Thursday.

The company later issued a statement detailing the issue. "Vehicles produced post 1 April 2025 are specially calibrated for E20 fuel to ensure acceleration and fuel efficiency. Earlier produced vehicles, whilst being completely safe to drive, could see a minor variation in either acceleration or fuel efficiency depending on driving behaviour. As a responsible OEM, Mahindra will honour all warranty commitments to its customers on account of E20 fuel usage in our vehicles."