India’s push towards alternative fuels is set to gain momentum this week, with both Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp preparing to introduce their first flex-fuel vehicles for the Indian market. While Hero will launch its first ethanol-powered motorcycle on June 3, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to unveil the country’s first mass-market flex-fuel passenger car on June 4.
New Flex Fuel Motorcycle, Car for India: All You Need to Know
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently confirmed that Maruti Suzuki’s new vehicle will be able to run on 100 percent ethanol fuel, also known as E100.Along with Gadkari, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri will also attend the Hero MotoCorp launch event. The new motorcycle will be Hero’s first flex-fuel offering in India and is expected to target the mass-market commuter segment.Although Hero MotoCorp has not officially revealed the name or technical specifications of the motorcycle, the model could be based on the Splendor or the HF Deluxe. Both motorcycles are among the company’s best-selling products in the country. Last year, Hero showcased a flex-fuel prototype based on the HF Deluxe at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.
What is a flex fuel vehicle?
A flex-fuel vehicle is designed to run on petrol, ethanol or a combination of the two. Unlike regular petrol vehicles in India which are currently compatible with E20 fuel, flex fuel models can run on higher ethanol blends like E85 and even E100. E85 fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol, while E100 is entirely ethanol-based.Maruti Suzuki is yet to confirm which model will get the flex fuel technology first. However, the company had earlier displayed a flex-fuel version of the Wagon R in India, making it one of the strongest prospects. Reports also suggest that Phronics may be considered for the technology. The launch is significant as India currently has no flex-fuel passenger car for sale in the mainstream market. The government is encouraging automakers to develop vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends as part of a strategy to reduce emissions and reduce fuel imports. According to Gadkari, about 87 percent of India’s fuel needs are currently met through imports.To support the transition, the government is also planning to rapidly expand ethanol infrastructure across the country. Around 5,000 E100 fuel stations are expected to be set up in India over the next two years.
