Flex-fuel results in a drop in mileage, but you can save if…

The next big trend in India is flex-fuel where there is a guaranteed drop in fuel economy. But can it save you money? We try and answer the question.

If you are one of those who are reeling from lower fuel economy with E20 fuel, it is but obvious that a higher ethanol blend will ensure lower fuel economy. So why are manufacturers promising more savings and launching flex-fuel vehicles? Well, the answer to that is rather interesting. But first let’s talk about what it takes to create a flex-fuel vehicle.

The Hero Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe: What all has changed?

Hero MotoCorp has just launched their highest selling models, the Hero Splendor+ and the Hero HF Deluxe in a flex-fuel avatar. The bikes will at this point of time, co-exist with the E20-ready counterparts and will cost marginally higher once the introductory prices are taken away. The bikes are being tarted as ‘future-ready’ and can run normally up to E85 levels. So what has Hero MotoCorp done to make them this capable?

The company claims that over 36 components have been reworked to make it E85 ready. The primary among them are the fuel lines and the fuel pump. Additionally, a fuel filter has been added too, apart from a remapped ECU which calibrates as per the fuel which is provided. We are told that the first line of defence is the new fuel filter that is a very affordable component and can be replaced once it loses its ability to filter the hygroscopic fuel that is E85. The rest of the components have also been strengthened to ensure longer life.

The Hero Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe: So what is the result?

The result of this change comes in the form of better performance from the engine. The E20 complaint 97.2cc single-cylinder engine currently churns out 7.9bhp@8,000rpm and 8Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. The complaint motor offers marginally more power at 8.4bhp@8,000rpm and 8.3Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. So more power if ridden on E85 fuel. But what is the downside?

The Hero Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe: The downside to E85 flex-fuel

The most common problem at the moment is that E85 fuel is a rare commodity and is available in select areas. Hence, the company is launching the bikes in Maharashtra and Delhi first. So you will need to find a pump that stocks E85.

The next big deal is fuel economy. Bikes like the Splendor+ and HF Deluxe are purchased essentially for their fuel efficiency and not because of the outright performance they offer. With E85 in the tank, mileage is expected to drop by up to 20 per cent. That is significant for a bike that currently promises 70kmpl when fed E20 fuel. So expect the new flex-fuel models to offer around 56kmpl! That is 14kmpl less than before. For most, this number is going to be a concern, especially when we talk about the original “fill it, shut it, forget it” bike!

But there is some good news! These new products are happy to run on E20 fuel as well. When run on e20 fuel, both these motorcycles will offer you the same efficiency as the e20 complaint bikes.

So how can you save money with flex-fuel vehicles?

Good question!

Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said, “Hero MotoCorp’s introduction of flex-fuel motorcycles in the mass segment is a significant step towards reducing crude oil imports, supporting ethanol adoption, empowering farmers, and strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.”

The hope then is that as ethanol blending increases, the dependency on oil reduces, and as a result the cost of E85 fuel will also be significantly lower. This lower cost will negate the loss incurred by the drop in mileage. Now all the consumer can do is hope that E85 fuel will be cheaper and that’s when some money will be saved.

To sum up then, buying a flex-fuel vehicle will ensure a future-proof ICE vehicle.

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