Q5 · UPSC current affairs · 27 September 2026 · News · Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles E100 Ethanol Blending

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Consider the following statements regarding ethanol as a fuel and Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEVs):1.Ethanol possesses a higher octane rating than standard petrol but has a lower energy density per litre.2.FFV-SHEVs rely exclusively on internal combustion engines and cannot utilize electric drive motors or self-charging batteries.

A Both 1 and 2
B 2 only
C 1 only
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (c) 1 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because ethanol has superior anti-knock properties (higher octane rating) compared to petrol, but its calorific/energy value per litre is lower. Statement 2 is incorrect because FFV-SHEVs specifically combine internal combustion flex-fuel engines with electric drive motors and self-charging battery systems.

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