Hero MotoCorp`s First Flex-Fuel Motorcycle
3rd June 2026
Flex Fuel Vehicles offer India a practical solution to reduce crude oil imports, strengthen the rural economy through ethanol demand, and advance low-carbon mobility, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas has said during the Launch of Hero MotoCorp`s First Flex-Fuel Motorcycle in New Delhi
He described the launch as a new chapter in India’s energy history, with the introduction of new motorcycles compatible with ethanol blends from E20 to E85. He added that the launch of the Splendor+ and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel motorcycles marks India’s entry into mass-market flex-fuel mobility with Aatmanirbhar vehicles
India has one of the world’s largest two-wheeler ecosystems with an active two-wheeler fleet of over 300 million vehicles. The flex-fuel technology has the potential to transform mobility at an unprecedented scale
E-85 Flex fuels offer several benefits such as lower vehicle manufacturing cost, minimal infrastructure capex, faster rollout (~10-15x faster than EV network). Electric vehicles are also highly import dependent for battery components, and generate significant upstream carbon emissions
In contrast , Flex fuel vehicles depend on homegrown biofuels and avoid the battery related emissions, making them Completely Atmanirbhar and resulting in lower carbon footprint. Further, Flex fuel demand would provide immediate income support to the farmers through increased demand for ethanol feedstock
The Minister further stated that Flex-fuel mobility must also make economic sense for consumers. Studies indicate that if E85 fuel is priced appropriately lower compared to E20, consumers can recover the cost of the vehicle within approximately three years through fuel savings achieved due to the lower price of fuel. He added that the Government is actively examining supportive policy frameworks to accelerate affordable adoption
Addressing common misconceptions about Flexi Fuel, the Minister clarified that India’s E20 rollout followed extensive testing by SIAM, ARAI, IOCL and vehicle manufacturers. Global experience, including Brazil’s successful adoption of higher ethanol blends, demonstrates that flex-fuel mobility is proven, scalable and reliable
The Minister congratulated Hero MotoCorp for taking a pioneering step in this national journey. The company's new motorcycles are equipped with internal combustible engines and upgraded fuel systems that can operate on any blend of petrol and ethanol from E20 to E85
The minister added that supportive policies, including fuel pricing support and targeted incentives can speed up adoption, create affordability and position India as a global leader in flex- fuel mobility solutions