
Mahindra Warns Older Vehicles May Lose Performance With E20
Mahindra & Mahindra confirmed all its vehicles are compliant with E20 fuel (20% ethanol blend), which has been rolled out at nearly 90,000 fuel stations in India. The company assured that engines will hold up safely under this standard.
Performance In Older Models
However, Mahindra executives admitted that older models—not specially calibrated for E20—may experience a drop in mileage and reduced acceleration. These performance dips are expected to be mild and depend on driving style and condition of the vehicle.
Calibration For Newer Vehicles
Vehicles produced from 1 April 2025 onwards are already tuned for E20, aiming to maintain both fuel efficiency and acceleration despite the ethanol blend. Mahindra said these newer models should see minimal impact.
Warranty Assurance
Mahindra has pledged to honour warranty claims related to E20 fuel usage across all its vehicles, including older ones. Owners can rely on support even if their car shows slight performance changes.
Context And Public Concerns
Motorists, especially owners of older cars, have raised concerns over social media about the new fuel blend’s effects. The government and auto industry groups say these concerns are largely due to misunderstanding, and that safety is not compromised. Minor part replacements—like rubber gaskets—may be needed in some older vehicles.