BMW Group India has expressed support for the government’s ethanol blending programme, saying alternative fuels like ethanol are important for cutting reliance on fossil fuels and advancing energy security and environmental goals.
The company said its vehicles have been engineered to run on fuel blends of up to E25 (25% ethanol and 75% petrol) for several years, reflecting readiness for India’s shifting fuel landscape as the country expands its ethanol adoption drive to reduce crude oil imports and emissions.
India is among the fastest-growing markets for ethanol blending, with the government actively promoting cleaner fuel options to strengthen energy security and lower transport-sector pollution.
BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said ethanol blending is part of the broader shift toward low-carbon mobility and supports national sustainability goals.
He added that BMW follows a technology-open strategy that includes battery electric vehicles, efficient internal combustion engines, and hydrogen fuel-cell systems, arguing that multiple technologies will be needed to achieve a low-carbon transition.
Brar also said BMW vehicles are already designed to handle higher ethanol blends, noting that the company’s models have been compatible with up to E25 fuel for several years and will continue adapting in line with future regulations.
Clarifying earlier remarks, he said his comments on evolving fuel ecosystems were misinterpreted and were not linked to the current E20 blending programme.
He reaffirmed BMW Group India’s commitment to India’s sustainable mobility targets and said the company will continue working with policymakers and industry stakeholders to support regulatory standards and cleaner transport solutions.
BMW made these comments amid strong sales growth in India, reporting 4,567 units in Q1 CY2026, a 17% year-on-year increase, with electric vehicles making up 26% of total sales during the period.
