In a first, TVS Motor has launched TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Ethanol, the first two-wheeler that runs on ethanol-based fuel in India. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, and TVS Motor Company chairman Venu Srinivasan unveiled Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 in New Delhi on Friday.

The newest entrant in the Apache series is priced at Rs 1.2 lakh (ex-showroom) price and will only be available in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, TVS said. Media reports stated that TVS plans to be ready with 1,000 units of the ethanol-powered Apache 200 in the initial phase.

The two-wheeler that runs on ethanol-based fuel was first introduced by TVS during the 2018 Auto Expo. The launch of ethanol-powered Apache RTR 200 Fi comes at a time when the government is already shifting gears to alternate source of fuels.

The Centre had announced a National Policy on Biofuels, last year, that recommended 20 per cent ethanol to be made mandatory for blending in petrol by 2030. The government has also advised fuel companies to increase the ethanol level in the fuel from the current 6 per cent to 20 per cent.

The Apache RTR 2004V E100 can be used only on ethanol. If someone wants to use it only on regular petrol, they have to put in 80 per cent ethanol and 20 per cent petrol. Ethanol has lower calorie-value and hence, the fuel efficiency will be lower than petrol, the Financial Express reported.

The new TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 comes in green colour along with the ‘ethanol’ logo. The TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol has an E85 motor that makes 21PS at 8,500rpm and generates a torque of 18.1Nm at 7,000rpm with a claimed top speed of 129kmph. The new offering is equipped with a Twin-Spray—Twin-Port EFI technology—which, according to TVS, ensures faster throttle response, better rideability and also reduction in the overall emission levels, automobile portal Overdrive reported.