Punjab Newsline | New Delhi

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has launched India’s first flex-fuel motorcycles, marking a major step toward cleaner transportation and reduced dependence on conventional fuels.

The new bikes have been introduced in the highly popular 100cc segment, allowing a large number of consumers to benefit from the technology.

The two motorcycles unveiled are the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel and the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel. Their key feature is the ability to operate not only on petrol but also on ethanol-blended fuels.

The motorcycles are compatible with fuel blends ranging from E20 to E85. E20 contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol, while E85 consists of 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent petrol. The government has been actively promoting ethanol as a cleaner alternative fuel that can help reduce vehicle emissions and lower crude oil dependence.

Initially, sales of the flex-fuel motorcycles will begin in Delhi and selected regions of Maharashtra. Customers are expected to receive the bikes by July 2026, after which the company plans a phased nationwide rollout.

In terms of pricing, the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been priced at ₹72,792 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel carries an ex-showroom Delhi price of ₹82,710.

To support flex-fuel technology, the motorcycles feature a new Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and an upgraded fuel system. The advanced setup can detect the ethanol content in the fuel tank and automatically adjust engine parameters accordingly, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency regardless of the fuel blend being used.