Maruti to Launch First Flex‑Fuel Car in India by March 2026

Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that its first Flex‑Fuel Car will greet Indian roads by March 2026. This moment will mark a major milestone in the nation, because Bharat has already begun actively shifting toward cleaner, more adaptable fuel technologies.

The company’s MD & CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, revealed more about the debut model, saying it will be capable of running on petrol as well as high‑ethanol blends. This is sure to give buyers practical alternatives for conventional petrol cars and pure EVs alike.

The upcoming flex‑fuel car form Maruti isn’t just another automobile launch. India’s biggest carmaker is signaling their readiness to embrace a future where fuel flexibility could be as important as mileage or price.

Big Step for Flex‑Fuel Cars in India

For years, flex‑fuel cars in India have been more of a talking point than a showroom reality. That’s about to change.

Maruti’s upcoming model could most probably be based on the familiar Wagon R platform. It will be engineered in such a way as to run on ethanol blends. The latter span anything from E20 (20% ethanol) to E85 (85% ethanol).

All this matters, because India is already blending 20% ethanol into petrol in many parts of the country. Also, the government has set ambitious targets to increase that percentage.

Now, a Maruti flex‑fuel car means buyers won’t have to worry about compatibility. Ethanol availability is already showing signs of serious growth.

How the Technology Works

Flex‑fuel technology isn’t just a software tweak—it’s a full mechanical adaptation. The upcoming Maruti will feature:

• A heated fuel rail for smoother cold starts.
• Upgraded fuel pumps and injectors to handle ethanol’s different properties
• An ethanol sensor to detect the exact blend in the tank.
• A recalibrated engine management system to keep performance consistent.

These changes ensure the car meets BS6 Phase II emission norms while delivering the same ease of use as a regular petrol model.

Maruti Suzuki EV Alternative – Why This Matters

While EVs dominate the clean‑mobility conversation, Maruti is betting that ethanol‑powered cars can be a Maruti Suzuki EV alternative for buyers who aren’t ready to go electric.

Flex‑fuel vehicles avoid the charging‑infrastructure challenge, can be refueled in minutes, and still cut carbon emissions compared to petrol‑only cars.

Ethanol can be produced locally from crops and agricultural waste, reducing crude oil imports and supporting rural economies. That’s a win‑win for both India’s environment and economy.

Ethanol Blended Fuel Cars in India – The Bigger Picture

The government’s push for ethanol blended fuel cars in India is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

By introducing a mass‑market flex‑fuel option, Maruti is aligning itself with these national goals while also giving consumers more choice.

This move also complements Suzuki’s biogas initiative, which will convert cattle manure into carbon‑neutral fuel for CNG vehicles.

Together, ethanol and biogas form a multi‑layered alternative‑fuel ecosystem that could transform India’s automotive landscape in amazing ways.

What Buyers Can Expect

If you’re visualizing a stripped‑down eco‑special car, think again. Maruti is expected to keep the coming flex fuel car’s design, comfort, and features in line with its popular petrol models. The difference will be under the hood, and at the fuel pump.

Operating costs could get lower, especially in regions where ethanol blends are cheaper than petrol. And because the car can run on any mix from E20 to E85, you won’t be tied to a single fuel source.

Market Impact and Timeline

Production of the first Maruti flex‑fuel car is set to begin in late 2025. The official launch is targeted for March 2026.

Given Maruti’s market share, this could be the tipping point that brings flex‑fuel technology into the mainstream. If successful, expect more models—and more competitors—could follow.

This could mean a future where walking into a dealership will let you choose not just between petrol, diesel, and electric, but also between multiple ethanol‑capable car options.

Maruti’s first flex‑fuel launch isn’t just about one car. It’s about giving Indian buyers a cleaner, more adaptable choice without forcing them into the EV lane before they’re ready.

Now, with the clock ticking toward March 2026, the flex-fuel countdown has officially begun.