Concerns about ethanol-blended gasoline in Indonesia have drawn attention from both consumers and fuel industry operators. The presence of ethanol in regular gasoline has raised questions about which cars in Indonesia can safely use these blends.
Automotive manufacturers in Indonesia have started to adapt their products for ethanol-mixed gasoline. Most global markets have implemented similar solutions for some time. In Indonesia, bioethanol in fuel is becoming increasingly relevant as regulators and suppliers look for alternative energy sources.
Ethanol Blends in Indonesian Gasoline
Ethanol is an alcohol-based additive usually derived from plants like sugar cane or corn. Its use in blending with gasoline aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower emissions. In Indonesia, recent fuel supplies are reported to contain up to 3.5% ethanol. Many major fuel retailers, such as BP, have recently purchased base gasoline from local suppliers containing this ethanol blend due to structural changes in the import quota for fuel.
Globally, it is common for fuel to contain ethanol blends from 5% (E5) to 10% (E10). In Indonesia, these blends are starting to be used more widely, and vehicle owners now need to verify if their cars are compatible.
Which Car Brands Can Use Ethanol Blends Directly?
Carmakers have provided clear guidance on the use of ethanol-mixed gasoline in their vehicles. Below are the brands and models confirmed to be eligible for such fuels.
1. Toyota
Toyota Indonesia has officially stated several of its models are compatible with ethanol blends up to 5%. No engine modifications are necessary for these models. Here are the Toyota vehicles that can use ethanol-blended gasoline:
- Toyota Avanza
- Toyota Veloz
- Toyota Rush
- Toyota Agya
- Toyota Calya
These cars are commonly found in Indonesia’s urban and rural areas. According to Toyota representatives, owners only need to ensure the ethanol content does not exceed 5% for optimal performance and warranty coverage.
2. Suzuki
Suzuki Indonesia has taken a further step compared to Toyota. All Suzuki vehicles currently sold in the country are cleared to use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol. This means Suzuki owners have more flexibility. Suzuki models available in Indonesia include:
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Suzuki XL7 (gasoline and hybrid)
- Suzuki Ertiga (gasoline and hybrid)
- Suzuki Jimny
- Suzuki APV Arena
- Suzuki Carry
- Suzuki S-Presso
Suzuki officials emphasize that their engineering standards already consider ethanol blends. No additional modifications are necessary even for the highest allowable ethanol levels in the country.
3. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors in Indonesia has also expressed support for ethanol-blended gasoline. Most notably, popular models like the Mitsubishi Xpander and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross can operate with up to 10% ethanol content. However, there is no official confirmation for new models such as Mitsubishi Xforce and Destinator regarding their compatibility with ethanol blends.
Mitsubishi advises customers to regularly check updates provided by the manufacturer as product features or recommendations may change in the future.
4. Daihatsu
Daihatsu, which mainly sells gasoline-powered cars in Indonesia, has assured the public that all its cars can accept ethanol in their fuel, with a safe range between 5% and 10%. The Daihatsu models currently on sale are:
- Daihatsu Rocky
- Daihatsu Ayla
- Daihatsu Sigra
- Daihatsu Xenia
- Daihatsu Terios
- Daihatsu Sirion
- Daihatsu Luxio
- Daihatsu Gran Max
Company representatives reiterate that these blends are safe and will not affect vehicle warranties as long as the ethanol content remains within the recommended range.
5. Mercedes-Benz
Premium automotive brands are not left behind. Mercedes-Benz claims that their cars sold in Indonesia can also use gasoline with ethanol content up to 10%. No special modifications are needed, reaffirming the German brand’s commitment to supporting cleaner fuel initiatives.
This broad compatibility is in line with global standards, considering Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Europe and other regions have used E10 or higher ethanol blends for years.
List of Cars in Indonesia Compatible with Ethanol-Blended Gasoline
Below is a summarized table to help car owners easily identify if their vehicle is compatible with ethanol-blended gasoline. This list includes popular models and their maximum permitted ethanol blend.
| Brand | Models | Ethanol Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Avanza, Veloz, Rush, Agya, Calya | Up to 5% |
| Suzuki | Grand Vitara, XL7, Ertiga, Jimny, APV, Carry, S-Presso | Up to 10% |
| Mitsubishi | Xpander, Xpander Cross | Up to 10% |
| Daihatsu | Rocky, Ayla, Sigra, Xenia, Terios, Sirion, Luxio, Gran Max | Up to 10% |
| Mercedes-Benz | All models sold in Indonesia | Up to 10% |
All these manufacturers advise following guidelines on fuel blends as published in the official vehicle manual. Exceeding the recommended ethanol content may risk damage to fuel systems or jeopardize warranties.
Points to Consider Before Using Ethanol-Blended Gasoline
Carmakers’ recommendations are based on careful engineering to withstand ethanol’s effects on fuel lines, injectors, and engine seals. For older cars or grey market imports, owners should check specifically for ethanol compatibility. Failing to do this can lead to engine performance problems or fuel system corrosion.
Ethanol tends to absorb water more readily, which could potentially cause starting issues or corrosion in rare cases with prolonged use, especially in vehicles not specifically designed for ethanol-blended fuel.
For public transport operators or fleet users, checking the manufacturer’s manual or dealer recommendations is crucial. Regular maintenance and inspecting parts like fuel filters help ensure consistent vehicle performance when using ethanol-blended gasoline.
Future Trends and Recommendations
Indonesian regulators are likely to push for cleaner energy solutions in the automotive sector. Global trends show a consistent increase in the adoption of ethanol-blended gasoline. Carmakers in Indonesia continue to adjust offerings to meet emission targets and anticipated government mandates.
Vehicle owners can expect more detailed guidelines from fuel retailers and car manufacturers regarding ethanol compatibility. Choosing the right fuel blend for your vehicle is essential for engine longevity and reliability on the road.
Complying with manufacturer recommendations will also help ensure your vehicle’s warranty remains valid. Regular information updates from trusted sources and official automotive dealers will benefit consumers as the fuel landscape evolves in Indonesia.
