Hero MotoCorp is scheduled to launch its first flex-fuel motorcycle in India on June 3. The launch event is expected to be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.
The introduction of the motorcycle comes as India continues to expand the use of ethanol-blended fuels and explore alternative fuel options in the transportation sector.
What Is a Flex-Fuel Vehicle?
A flex-fuel vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine that can operate on petrol as well as higher blends of ethanol. These vehicles are capable of running on different fuel mixtures, including E85, which contains up to 85 per cent ethanol.
At present, most vehicles sold in India are compatible with E20 fuel, containing 20 per cent ethanol. The government has also been encouraging the development of vehicles capable of operating on higher ethanol blends in the future.
Hero MotoCorp's Upcoming Flex-Fuel Motorcycle
Hero MotoCorp has not officially disclosed the name or specifications of the motorcycle that will be launched. However, reports suggest that the company's first flex-fuel offering could be based on either the Splendor or the HF Deluxe platform.
The company had previously displayed a flex-fuel prototype based on the HF Deluxe at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, indicating the direction of its flex-fuel programme.
Flex-Fuel Vehicles in the Indian Market
The Indian two-wheeler market currently has limited flex-fuel options. Suzuki Motorcycle India offers the Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel, powered by a 249 cc single-cylinder engine. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India had also introduced a flex-fuel version of the CB300F, although the model is no longer on sale.
In the passenger vehicle segment, Maruti Suzuki is also preparing to introduce its first flex-fuel model in India. The launch is expected to take place on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. While the company has not confirmed the model, industry reports indicate that it could be based on the WagonR.
Growing Focus on Ethanol-Based Mobility
The launch of new flex-fuel vehicles by manufacturers reflects the broader industry effort to support ethanol adoption in India. Flex-fuel technology is being viewed as one of several pathways being explored alongside electric, hybrid, CNG and hydrogen-powered mobility solutions.