New Delhi: BMW Group India has come out in support of the government’s ethanol-blending initiative. The brand noted that alternative fuels like ethanol can
help reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and contribute to the country’s sustainability and energy security goals.
The company highlighted that its petrol-powered models have been compatible with ethanol blends of up to 25 per cent (E25) for several years. The brand has been prepared for the country’s evolving fuel landscape. As India moves towards ethanol adoption to reduce oil imports, enhance energy independence, and reduce vehicular emissions, BMW believes ethanol will remain an important part of the transition.
BMW has been preparing for India’s changing fuel regulations for years
BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar, in an official statement, noted that ethanol blending was an important part of the wider adoption of a low-carbon future.
Brar further assured that BMW continues to follow a technology-neutral strategy, investing across battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), advanced internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel-cell systems. As per him, achieving long-term sustainability goals will need multiple technologies working together rather than relying on a single solution.
He further noted that BMW vehicles sold in India have already been engineered to accommodate higher ethanol content. In fact, the vehicles are already compatible with E25 fuel and future-ready for upcoming regulations. Addressing recent discussions around ethanol-blended fuels, Brar clarified that some of his previous remarks on future mobility solutions and fuel technologies had been interpreted incorrectly and were not directed at the current E20 fuel programme.
BMW also reaffirmed its commitment to India’s sustainable mobility roadmap, stating that it will continue to comply with all fuel standards and regulatory requirements. They will also work closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The statement comes as BMW records strong growth in the Indian market. In the first quarter of CY2026, the luxury carmaker posted its highest-ever quarterly sales of 4,567 units. That is a 17 per cent year-on-year increase. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 26 per cent of the company’s total sales during the January-March period.
