Thailand is showcasing how ethanol can move beyond conventional fuel blending and play a stronger role in high-performance motorsport. A Lamborghini race car running on E85 ethanol fuel has emerged as a notable example of renewable energy being used in a demanding racing environment.
According to Regreen-Excel EPC India Limited, one of its ethanol-producing customers in Thailand has converted a Lamborghini race car to operate on E85 fuel. E85 is a high-ethanol blend containing up to 85% ethanol, making it a cleaner alternative to conventional petrol for compatible engines.
The racing vehicle uses ethanol produced through Regreen-Excel’s proprietary E-max technology. The ethanol is made from renewable agricultural feedstocks such as cassava and grains. The Lamborghini is currently participating in racing events, demonstrating that ethanol can deliver both high performance and sustainability in motorsport.
E85 Fuel Offers High-Octane Performance Benefits
E85 fuel is increasingly being recognised as a strong option for performance-focused vehicles due to its high octane rating. High-octane fuels can support improved combustion, better engine efficiency and enhanced performance in specially tuned engines.
For motorsport applications, E85 can offer several advantages, including improved combustion characteristics, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional petrol. It also creates additional demand for renewable agricultural feedstocks such as cassava, maize and grains.
Countries including Brazil, the United States and several European markets have already demonstrated the potential of high-ethanol fuels in passenger vehicles and racing applications. Thailand’s E85-powered Lamborghini adds another example of ethanol’s growing relevance in the global clean mobility transition.
Regreen-Excel’s E-max Technology Supports Flexible Ethanol Production
Pune-based Regreen-Excel EPC India Limited has developed E-max technology to improve the efficiency of ethanol production plants. The platform is designed to reduce steam, water and power consumption while supporting the use of multiple feedstocks.
Its technology can process grain, cassava, molasses, sugar syrup and other renewable raw materials. This multi-feedstock capability can help ethanol producers improve operational flexibility and reduce the environmental footprint of production.
Regreen-Excel has executed ethanol and bioenergy projects in India and international markets including Thailand, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, Zambia and Angola.
Ethanol Expands Beyond Petrol Blending
Ethanol has traditionally been promoted as a blending component for petrol to reduce emissions and improve energy security. However, the E85 Lamborghini project shows that renewable fuels can also support high-performance mobility and motorsport.
As governments encourage biofuel adoption and vehicle technologies continue to advance, ethanol could find wider use in premium automobiles, racing, flex-fuel vehicles and advanced mobility solutions.
The Thailand project highlights how innovation in ethanol production and vehicle engineering can work together to create cleaner, sustainable and performance-driven transport solutions.
