In an attempt to propagate the cause for cleaner transportation, popular bike maker TVS launched the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100, an ethanol-powered rendition of the Apache RTR 200.
While ethanol is not available in India on a commercial scale, it has been employed in several other countries as bio-fuel. It burns more cleanly than fossil fuel, but with a downside of less power output (approximately 34% by volume).
To overcome this, TVS have not only enriched the air-(bio) fuel mixture but also incorporated direct injection to generate identical power of 21hp and 18.1 Nm torque as the conventionally powered RTR.
Ethanol, when it goes live, is expected to cost Rs.52 – Rs.55 per litre, making it significantly cheaper than petrol. The Fi E100 is expected to trigger popularisation of alternative fuels in India. It retails at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1.20 lakh, a smidgen dearer than the RTR 200 4V, and will only be available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka in the initial run.
