MoRTH Updates Rules for Flex Fuel Vehicles
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways · Environment · Posted 26 OCT 2026 6:38PM
What happened
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to facilitate the adoption of E85 and E100 flex fuel vehicles. The rules update emission certification provisions and aim to reduce crude oil import dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
Why it matters for UPSC
This notification illustrates India's policy shift towards alternative fuels and clean energy transition under environmental governance and sustainable development.
Key objectives
- Notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to support the adoption of E85 and E100 flex fuel vehicles.
- Defined E85 as a petrol and ethanol blend containing up to 85 per cent ethanol by volume.
- Stated that domestically produced ethanol can reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Clarified that E85/E100 is restricted to specifically designed and certified vehicles and does not require existing vehicle owners to switch or modify their vehicles.