Even If You Own A 15 Year-Old Honda Car, Don't Worry About Using E20 Petrol: Here's Why

We are all aware of the fact that the fuel currently sold at fuel stations across the country is blended with ethanol. The ratio of ethanol dispensed through fuel stations in India includes 20 percent ethanol mixed into it. While most modern cars have engines that are compatible with this blended fuel, older cars are not. Many owners are worried about their vehicles for this very reason. Honda has now come forward with an official statement saying that even a 15-year-old Honda car can handle E20 fuel.

Honda Cars India Ltd. today announced that it has achieved E20 (20% Ethanol blended) petrol compliance certification for all its current models, comprising the Honda Elevate, Honda City e:HEV, Honda City, and Honda Amaze. It also includes E20 compliance certification received for the 2nd generation Honda Amaze in January 2025.

Not just the current models, but Honda also mentioned that HCIL has embraced E20 petrol since 2009, and all Honda cars manufactured in India from 1st January 2009 have been E20 material compatible.

Speaking on the latest achievement, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd., said, "At Honda Cars India, we are committed to driving sustainable mobility solutions, and all our cars have been E20 material compatible since January 2009, enabling our customers to seamlessly adopt the greener E20 fuel without any modifications. The latest compliance certification for all our current models ahead of the pan-India E20 fuel introduction aligns with the Government of India’s goal to implement greener fuels. As India moves towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, HCIL will continue to remain at the forefront.”

Honda has once again proved its unwavering commitment to its customers by providing them with the most advanced global products and services ahead of time. Customers can freely use E20 petrol in their existing Honda cars without durability concerns or the need to change any parts in the car. This statement comes as a relief to many Honda car owners who were actually worried about the fuel.

The Government of India has mandated that all gasoline-fueled mono-fuel and bi-fuel vehicles with positive ignition engines, including hybrids, manufactured on and after 1st April 2025 must be certified for use with ethanol (E20) fuel to comply with the prevailing emission norms.

What is E20?

For the uninitiated, ethanol is an alternative biofuel. It is considered one of the most promising renewable and eco-friendly fuels. It is made from by-products of plants such as corn and sugarcane. Ethanol was introduced to reduce dependence on imported fuels. Additionally, its production supports local agriculture and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a greener choice.

The government is currently selling petrol in India with a 20 percent ethanol mix. While the blended fuel is claimed to be greener, it is definitely less efficient. Apart from reduced fuel economy, the ethanol blended in the fuel is highly corrosive and is actually not suitable for older cars.

They are not compatible with this new mixture, and it can lead to corrosion of fuel lines and other rubber and plastic components. It can affect engine performance and also reduce the lifespan of the car’s engine. Older engines that are not designed for E20 might run leaner (with a higher air-fuel ratio), which can cause higher combustion temperatures and potentially lead to engine damage.