Hyderabad: Hero MotoCorp is about to make history by launching India’s first flex-fuel motorcycle that can run on 100% ethanol (E100). This exciting event is scheduled for June 3, 2026, and will be attended by key government figures, including Nitin Gadkari, the Road Transport Minister, and Hardeep Singh Puri, the Petroleum Minister.
Currently, most vehicles in India can run on E20 fuel, while older models are limited to E10 or E5. The government aims to upgrade the standards to E100. This mark indicates fuel that is mostly ethanol—typically a mix of about 93-93.5% ethanol, 5% petrol, and small amounts of additives.
E100 fuel made its debut in India in 2024, with IndianOil launching it across 183 outlets in states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Brazil is the only country where E100 is widely used, while other nations often rely on lower ethanol blends. Recently, Sweden has also embraced E85 fuel, which contains 85% ethanol.
Hero MotoCorp’s new motorcycle symbolizes a significant shift in the Indian automotive landscape. Although the exact model name is not yet clear, it may be based on popular models like the Splendor or HF Deluxe. At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Hero showcased a flex-fuel version of the HF Deluxe, hinting at this upcoming launch.
The progress toward flex-fuel vehicles in India has been notable. Here’s a quick snapshot of key milestones:
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | E5 introduced | The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme launched in select states. |
| 2022 | E10 achieved | Nationwide average of 10% ethanol blending reached. |
| 2025–26 | E20 rollout | Mandate for E20 petrol took effect in April 2026. |
| 2026 (May) | E22–E30 standards issued | New standards for blends like E22 and E25 were rolled out. |
| Future | E85 & E100 plans | Draft regulations proposed for higher ethanol blends and flex-fuel vehicles. |
Currently, Suzuki’s Gixxer 250 Flex Fuel Variant is the only other flex-fuel motorcycle in India, and it supports E85. Earlier, Honda offered a similar model, the CB300F Flex Fuel, but it was later discontinued.
In the car segment, Maruti Suzuki will also launch its first E100-compatible vehicle on June 5, just in time for World Environment Day. Though the exact model name hasn’t been disclosed, speculations suggest it could be a flex-fuel version of the WagonR. Key developments in flex-fuel technology reflect an overarching aim toward sustainable transportation, an issue gaining traction worldwide.
For more on environmental policies and transportation trends in India, visit ICRA.
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