New Tata Punch Spied After Launch – Flex Fuel E85 Testing?

Enthusiastic Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has been one of the strongest advocates of Ethanol blending in domestic fuels. His vision to push India towards flex fuel vehicles seems to have been met with optimism by the automotive OEMs operating in India.

Tata Motors is among the 12 companies Nitin Gadkari has confirmed to have been working with flex fuel technology. Punch Flex Fuel was even showcased at 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, based on pre-facelift model. Tata is expected to launch a flex fuel vehicle capable of up to E85 blends and it could have commenced testing with the new Punch facelift test mule spied recently.

Tata Punch Flex Fuel?

After Maruti Suzuki showcased Wagon R Flex Fuel on 4th of June, 2026, Tata Motors seems to have accelerated the development of their first flex fuel vehicle. Recent spy shots from automotive enthusiast Narinder Tandon reveal test mule of Tata Punch SUV in full camouflage suggesting that Tata Motors might be working to launch or unveil their flex fuel vehicle by 2026 end or early 2027.

At the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, Tata Motors showcased the Punch Flex Fuel, which is capable of combusting ethanol blends of up to E85 (85% Ethanol). It was based on the pre-facelift Punch and the new test mule which could be testing production-spec version of Flex Fuel technology, is based on the new Punch facelift launched early this year.

To combust Ethanol of higher blends, Tata Punch Flex Fuel will undergo extensive revisions when compared to the production-spec version of Punch Petrol or Punch i-CNG. Thoroughly overhauled fuel storage systems and fuel supply lines along with upgraded fuel injectors, revised ECU (Engine Control Unit) and a new exhaust treatment system.

What to expect?

Indian Government has already expanded Ethanol blending roadmap and BIS is expected to soon standardize E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels for domestic purposes. The Government has been working to expand the E85 fuel availability in the country as well for current and future Flex Fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 fuels.

Currently, Honda, Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp have launched Flex Fuel vehicles in the country and Royal Enfield is testing E85 compatibility as well. Maruti Suzuki has showcased Wagon R Flex Fuel in the country and is expected to launch it soon. Tata and Mahindra are working on Flex Fuel vehicles too, among others.

Indian Government is yet to convince the general consensus with concrete evidence regarding the adverse effects of higher Ethanol blend fuels in vehicles optimised to run on lower Ethanol blends. Also, it is unclear as to how the existing fuel stations will maintain these different blends of fuels and the availability of E10 fuel is still the big question mark.