TVS’ ethanol-powered models ready, rollouts to be in phases, says Sudarshan Venu, CMD of TVS Motor Company

As India accelerates its push towards energy self-reliance under the Viksit Bharat vision, ethanol blending is emerging as a key lever alongside electrification. Having achieved the mandatory 20% ethanol blending with petrol (E20) ahead of schedule, the focus is now shifting to scaling adoption and aligning industry readiness. In an interview with Lijee Philip, Sudarshan Venu, CMD of , shared his perspective on ethanol’s role in . Edited excerpts:

India has achieved E20 blending ahead of schedule. How do you assess the real impact of this milestone?

The impact has been tangible and multi-dimensional. The ethanol programme has enabled foreign exchange savings of about ₹1.36 lakh crore, while directing nearly ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers, strengthening the rural economy. At the same time, it has reduced around 69.8 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This underscores that ethanol is not just an energy initiative, but a strategic lever for both economic resilience and sustainability.

With early success at E20, how should the next phase, E25 and beyond, be approached?

E20 provides strong validation for moving to higher blends like E25 or E27. However, this phase will require tighter ecosystem alignment, fuel availability, vehicle compatibility, and regulatory support. If executed well, both economic and environmental gains will scale meaningfully.

How do you see the interplay between higher ethanol blending and ?

They are complementary. Higher blending delivers immediate system-wide benefits, while flex-fuel vehicles enable long-term adaptability and consumer choice. Progress on both fronts will be essential to maximise overall impact.

From an OEM standpoint, how does ethanol compare with other transition pathways such as EVs?

Ethanol, along with gas-based solutions, is among the more cost-effective transition pathways. EVs are critical for the future but involve higher costs and some import dependency. Ethanol offers a more incremental and scalable pathway suited to India’s current ecosystem.

Do you see ethanol and EVs as competing or complementary technologies?

They are clearly complementary. Ethanol improves the sustainability of internal combustion engines, while EVs address different use cases. Gas has also played an important role, especially in segments like three-wheelers. The transition will be multi-technology in nature.

Given India’s vehicle mix, where is the biggest opportunity for ethanol adoption?

Globally, ethanol spans multiple segments, including passenger vehicles. In India, however, two- and three-wheelers present the largest opportunity due to their scale. Targeting these high-volume segments can deliver rapid impact.

How prepared is TVS Motor to support higher blending levels and flex-fuel technologies?

We are well prepared. We introduced an ethanol-powered motorcycle as early as 2019 and have since showcased flex-fuel platforms such as the Raider. Our focus is on building a comprehensive portfolio that supports both higher blends and flex-fuel adoption at scale.

How far can ethanol blending realistically go in India?

There is clear headroom beyond E20, with E25 and E27 achievable in the near term. Globally, E85 is often considered a practical upper benchmark, while E100 may not be an immediate priority for India. The pathway must balance ambition with ecosystem readiness.

What is the decarbonisation potential of ethanol?

Ethanol can deliver significant emissions reduction, up to nearly 60% for sugarcane-based ethanol and 20-40% for corn-based variants. This makes it a meaningful lever in India’s broader decarbonisation strategy.

Could you share a timeline for mass-market ethanol-powered two-wheelers from TVS?

We see a strong opportunity for ethanol in India’s mobility transition and have been early movers in this space. TVS Motor is well prepared for rising blending levels and will fully support government initiatives. Our products are ready, and we will roll them out in a phased manner.

Where do three-wheelers fit into this transition?

Three-wheelers are currently dominated by CNG, which limits ethanol’s role. However, in petrol variants and emerging flex-fuel options, ethanol remains a viable pathway alongside gas and electrification.