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 motorcycles, cars for India: Everything you need to know
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently confirmed that Maruti Suzuki’s new vehicle will be capable of running on 100 percent ethanol fuel, also known as E100.Along with Gadkari, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri will also attend the launch event of Hero MotoCorp. 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 name or technical specifications of the motorcycle, the model may be based on the Splendor or the HF Deluxe. Both the 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 gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of the two. Unlike regular petrol vehicles in India, which are currently compatible with E20 fuel, flex-fuel models can operate on much higher ethanol blends like E85 and even E100. E85 fuel contains up to 85 percent ethanol, while E100 is completely ethanol based.Maruti Suzuki has not yet confirmed which model will get the flex-fuel technology first. However, the company had previously showcased a flex-fuel version of the WagonR in India, making it one of the strongest possibilities. Reports also suggest that Fronx may be considered for the technology. This launch is significant as there is no flex-fuel passenger car currently on sale in the mainstream market in India. The government is actively encouraging automakers to develop vehicles capable of running on higher ethanol blends as part of its strategy to reduce emissions and cut fuel imports. According to Gadkari, about 87 percent of India’s fuel requirements are currently met through imports.To support the transformation, the government also plans to rapidly expand ethanol infrastructure across the country. Around 5,000 E100 fuel stations are expected to be installed in India over the next two years.
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