TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100: Five highlights

TVS Motor Company had showcased the Apache RTR 200 4V ethanol concept during the 2018 Auto Expo in Delhi. Now, after little more than a year since the Hosur-based bike maker had unveiled the concept, TVS has now officially launched India’s first ethanol-powered motorcycle. Called the ‘Apache RTR 200 Fi E100’, the motorcycle has been priced at Rs 1.2 lakhs which is about Rs 9,000 more expensive than its corresponding petrol-powered variant. Here are the top five highlights of the new motorcycle.

Ethanol Bio-fuel:

Ethanol is an eco-friendly form of fuel that can be produced domestically from plants like sugarcane. The fuel saves the environment for the increasing hazards caused due to fossil fuels reserves. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel blended in gasoline which in turn provides a higher octane number and at a lower price. Its higher heat vaporization further contributes to drawing heat out of the engine, thus improving efficiency.

Reduction in emissions:

Compared to fossil fuels, ethanol is an oxygenated fuel with 35 per cent more oxygen which ensures complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture. This results in a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, a healthy 35 per cent drop in carbon monoxide emissions and also reduction in emission of particulate matter and sulphur dioxide. 

Compatibility:

Conventional petrol powered engine can be suitably modified to adopt ethanol as fuel.  In the case of the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100, if 100 per cent ethanol is not available, the motorcycle can be run using 80 per cent ethanol and 20 per cent conventional petrol.

Higher power output:

With the adaptation of ethanol and using the Apache’s same 200cc motor, the company managed to achieve a higher power output compared to a conventional petrol-powered model. The max power output (20.7bhp@8500rpm) has increased by 10 per cent while the peak torque (18.1Nm@7000rpm) figure is 5-6 per cent higher.

New Livery:

The TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is identical to the standard Apache RTR 200 4V in terms of looks and cycle parts. It sports a glossy white paint job that is accompanied by green graphics including the ‘Ethanol’ logo.