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 preparing 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 capable of running on 100 percent ethanol fuel, also known as E100.Hero MotoCorp’s launch event will also be attended by Gadkari along with Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. The new motorcycle will become 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 motorcycle’s name or technical specifications, the model could be based on either the Splendor or the HF Deluxe. Both motorcycles are among the company’s best-selling products in the country. Last year, Hero had 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 both. Unlike regular petrol vehicles in India that are currently compatible with E20 fuel, flex-fuel models can operate on much higher ethanol blends such as E85 and even E100. E85 fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol, while E100 is fully ethanol-based.Maruti Suzuki has not yet confirmed which model will receive the flex-fuel technology first. However, the company had earlier displayed a flex-fuel version of the WagonR in India, making it one of the strongest possibilities. Reports also suggest that the Fronx could be considered for the technology. The launch is significant because India currently does not have any flex-fuel passenger car on sale in the mainstream market. The government has been actively encouraging automakers to develop vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends as part of its strategy to lower emissions and cut fuel imports. According to Gadkari, nearly 87 percent of India’s fuel requirements 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.
