Two flex-fuel vehicles to be unveiled this week: All you need to know

India's transition towards ethanol-powered mobility takes a major step forward this week as Hero MotoCorp and Maruti Suzuki prepare to unveil the country's first E100-compatible motorcycle and passenger car, respectively.

Maruti Suzuki and Hero MotoCorp are preparing to unveil the flex-fuel motorcycle and car respectively. The launches, scheduled around World Environment Day, mark a significant milestone in the government's long-term strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote ethanol-based mobility.

Hero MotoCorp will take the lead on June 3 with the launch of India's first flex-fuel motorcycle in New Delhi. A day later, on June 4, Maruti Suzuki will unveil the country's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle capable of running on 100 per cent ethanol (E100) at an event in Delhi.

Hero MotoCorp to launch flex-fuel motorcycle

Hero MotoCorp's upcoming motorcycle will become the first production two-wheeler in India designed to operate on E100 fuel. While the company has not officially disclosed the model name, industry expectations suggest it could be based on either the Splendor or HF Deluxe platform.

A flex-fuel version of the HF Deluxe was previously showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, indicating that Hero has already completed much of the development work required for ethanol compatibility. The motorcycle is expected to target the commuter segment, where affordability and fuel costs play a crucial role in purchasing decisions.

With Hero MotoCorp's extensive presence in rural and semi-urban markets, the launch could play an important role in expanding awareness and adoption of ethanol-powered mobility across the country.

Maruti Suzuki's first flex-fuel car to debut on June 4

Maruti Suzuki will follow up with the unveiling of India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle on June 4. Although the company has not officially confirmed the model, the strongest contenders are the WagonR Flex Fuel and the Fronx Flex Fuel.

The WagonR Flex Fuel prototype was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, while Suzuki displayed a flex-fuel version of the Fronx at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. Either model would allow Maruti Suzuki to become the first manufacturer to offer an E100-compatible passenger vehicle in the Indian market.

The announcement comes shortly after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended vehicle testing and certification norms to include E100-compatible vehicles, paving the way for manufacturers to introduce pure ethanol-powered models.

What are flex-fuel vehicles?

Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on varying blends of petrol and ethanol, including high-ethanol fuels such as E85 and E100. Unlike conventional petrol vehicles, they require specialised fuel system components, revised engine calibration and ethanol-resistant materials in fuel lines, injectors and seals to withstand the chemical properties of ethanol.

At present, India follows the E20 fuel standard, under which petrol can contain up to 20 per cent ethanol. However, the government is actively evaluating higher blends and encouraging automakers to develop vehicles capable of operating on much greater ethanol concentrations.

Why is the government pushing ethanol?

The government views ethanol as a key tool for improving India's energy security and reducing its reliance on imported crude oil. According to Nitin Gadkari, nearly 87 per cent of the country's petrol, diesel and natural gas requirements are met through imports.

In addition to reducing the fuel import bill, increased ethanol usage can help lower tailpipe emissions and create additional demand for agricultural feedstock used in ethanol production, providing economic benefits to the rural sector.

The launches by Hero MotoCorp and Maruti Suzuki are expected to serve as important proof points for the viability of ethanol-powered mobility and could encourage other manufacturers to accelerate their own flex-fuel programmes in the coming years.

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