Tata Motors is gearing up to expand the Tata Punch’s powertrain portfolio, which already includes petrol, CNG, and electric variants. At the Auto Expo 2025, the automaker unveiled a flex-fuel version of the Punch, signaling its ambition to embrace alternative fuels. If launched, this could be the company’s first model equipped with a flex-fuel engine.
Flex-Fuel Capability: Adapting for the Future
The flex-fuel Punch is powered by a modified version of its existing 1.2-liter, three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Upgrades include enhancements to the ECU, fuel injection system, and exhaust after-treatment system to enable compatibility with ethanol blends up to E85 (85% ethanol). These modifications allow the engine to seamlessly adjust to varying ethanol fuel compositions.
Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer and Vice President of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, commented on the development, stating, “Our readiness for flex-fuel technology aligns with government plans for higher ethanol blends. The Punch is the first step in this direction.”
A Growing Market for Flex-Fuel Vehicles
India has been progressively rolling out E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend) since 2023, with plans for nationwide availability by 2025. While E85 fuel remains a future prospect, Tata Motors appears to be ahead of the curve, also showcasing flex-fuel options for its small commercial vehicles at the expo.
Tata Motors isn’t alone in the race toward flex-fuel adoption. Hyundai revealed a flex-fuel Creta at the same event, while Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have also showcased flex-fuel prototypes in the past. The push for ethanol-blended fuels is expected to gain momentum as stricter emission norms come into effect, driving more automakers to invest in this emerging technology.
Future Prospects
With the Punch potentially leading Tata Motors’ foray into flex-fuel vehicles, the company demonstrates its commitment to offering sustainable and versatile powertrain options. As the market evolves, more automakers are likely to follow suit, paving the way for a broader adoption of ethanol-blended fuels in India.
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