Hero MotoCorp Launches Flexible Fuel Motorcycle in India
Hero MotoCorp's entry into the flexible fuel motorcycle market with India's first fully dedicated ethanol-powered bike signifies a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation. This launch is crucial for both Hero and the broader industry, highlighting the potential of environmentally friendly technology.
Highlights
- •Hero MotoCorp launches flex-fuel motorcycle in India on June 3, marking clean mobility
- •First pure ethanol motorcycle in India, leveraging robust commuter platforms like Splendor
- •Prototype tested with approval from authorities, anticipating production-readiness
- •Maruti Suzuki also set to launch its first flex-fuel car on World Environment Day
On June 3, 2026, Hero MotoCorp, the country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, will unveil its first flex-fuel motorcycle at a launch event in New Delhi. The presence of Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will grace this significant occasion.
This move marks a pivotal step towards cleaner transportation systems in India, introducing motorcycles that can operate on various fuel blends. Flex-fuel technology allows for engines to run efficiently on 20% ethanol blended petrol all the way up to E85 (85% ethanol) and pure E100.
Hero's Entry into Flexible Fuel Market
The new flex-fuel motorcycle, though not yet named by Hero MotoCorp, is expected to leverage popular commuter platforms like the Hero Splendor or HF Deluxe. These models have a significant customer base in India and are known for attracting attention due to their robust design.
The company showcased a prototype at the India Mobility Global Expo 2025, featuring a robust 100cc BS6 engine of the HF Deluxe platform. This technology has received full approval from authorities, setting expectations that it will be production-ready and ready for roads with strong performance.
While flex-fuel technology is still in its nascent stages, Suzuki's Gixxer SF 250 Flex-Fuel model is already available, catering to E85, whereas Honda previously introduced a flex-fuel variant of the CB300F but discontinued it due to market readiness. Hero's upcoming bike will be India's first fully dedicated ethanol-powered motorcycle.
The event on June 5, 2026, will also see Maruti Suzuki unveil its first flex-fuel car on World Environment Day, further bolstering the trend towards cleaner transportation options in the country.
