TVS has launched an ethanol-powered variant of its Apache RTR 200 at Rs 1.2 lakh. This makes it Rs 9,000 more expensive than the petrol-powered Apache RTR 200 4V ABS that costs Rs 1.11 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi). According to TVS, this new Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 will run on E100, which is 100 percent ethanol and makes the same power and torque than its petrol-powered Fi counterparts. In addition to being an environment-friendly source of fuel, ethanol is priced significantly lower than petrol, which should make the RTR 200 4V E100 quite affordable to run.
The Apache RTR 200 FI E100 will be initially launched in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. The ethanol-powered Apache RTR 200 4V has the same design as the conventional petrol-powered model, with the exception of the green decals on the bodywork.
TVS has modified the Apache RTR 200’s fuel-injected powerplant to run on 100 percent ethanol. For this, they have changed certain elastomer and rubber parts and used a twin spray, twin port electronic fuel injection setup. This ethanol-fueled motor makes 21PS at 8500rpm and 18.1Nm at 7000rpm. Claimed top speed is 129kmph. More significantly, the motor emits 50 percent less benzene and butadiene as well as significantly reduced NOX and CO. If needed, this motor can run on a blend of 80 percent ethanol and 20 percent petrol too.
While the bike has been launched, the availability of ethanol fuel does put a big question on the Apache RTR 200 4V’s immediate viability. The Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 would work well in export markets in South America, especially Brazil where the use of ethanol fuel for transportation is quite high.
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