Flex fuel vehicles are gaining traction in India as talks around cleaner and more affordable mobility are increasing amid the ongoing fuel-price hike. Just days after Maruti Suzuki confirmed the launch of its first flex fuel car on World Environment Day, June 5, Hero MotoCorp has also joined the list, and it will now launch its first flex fuel motorcycle in India on June 3. According to the industry reports, the upcoming launch event will be attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. The move will be extremely significant for Hero as it will not just mark its debut into alternative energy but also contribute to India’s transition towards alternative fuels
and reduced dependence on conventional petrol. Hero has not confirmed the name of the motorcycle yet, but it is anticipated that the brand could introduce a flex fuel version of the Splendor, which is its highest-selling commuter bike.
What Is A Flex Fuel Vehicle And Why It Matters Now
A flex fuel vehicle can run on multiple fuel blends, including petrol mixed with higher percentages of ethanol. Currently, in our country, most vehicles are compatible with E20 fuel, which carries 20% ethanol. However, FFVs are capable of supporting much higher blends, including E85 and even E100 fuel. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, officially recognising E85 and E100 as new fuel categories.
The upcoming launch by Hero MotoCorp’s flex fuel holds tremendous importance as it comes at a time when the centre has been encouraging the use of ethanol-based mobility in the country. Nitin Gadkari has repeatedly encouraged manufacturers to introduce vehicles that can run on greener fuels. The most profitable use of these FFVs can be in the affordable commuter segment, where fuel savings matter the most for buyers.
Which Hero Model Could Get Flex Fuel - Is It A Splendor?
Although Hero MotoCorp is tight-lipped on the name of its flex-fuel bike, industry speculation indicates that it could be the Splendor. The Splendor is one of the brand's best-selling motorcycles. It targets the commuter segment with affordability, mileage, and low maintenance costs. This is the reason why Hero could choose it for a flex-fuel option. Another bike from Hero's lineup that is most likely to wear the flex-fuel badge is the HF Deluxe. The automaker had earlier showcased the Flex Fuel Prototype of the Hero HF Deluxe at the Bharat Mobility Expo. The showcased motorcycle was compatible with ethanol-blended fuel and featured flex fuel badging along with slight cosmetic updates.
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If Hero chooses the Splendor or HF Deluxe for the flex-fuel shift, the bikes could become one of the first mass-market commuter motorcycles in India capable of running on high ethanol blends. More details regarding engine specifications, fuel compatibility, and prices are expected to be revealed at the launch on June 3.
