Hero MotoCorp launches India’s first flex-fuel motorcycles with E20-E85 compatibility

Hero MotoCorp has entered the flex-fuel vehicle space, launching the "flex fuel" variants of its iconic Splendor+ and HF Deluxe models. The launch, which took place in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day, marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, ethanol-blended fuels.

The new motorcycles are engineered to be compatible with ethanol blends ranging from E20 up to E85. Priced at ₹72,792 for the HF Deluxe and ₹82,710 for the Splendor+ (ex-showroom Delhi), these vehicles are set for a phased rollout beginning in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra in July 2026.

Voices from the government

The launch event saw top-tier government representation, stressing the importance of flex-fuel vehicles to India's national energy goals.

Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the broader economic impact of this transition: "India is rapidly advancing the adoption of alternative fuels and cleaner mobility technologies. 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."

Meanwhile, petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated: "The introduction of flex fuel vehicles by Hero MotoCorp is another important milestone in our journey towards enhanced energy security, lower carbon emissions and reduced dependence on imported crude oil. Such innovations will further strengthen India’s biofuels ecosystem, create greater value for our farmers and support the vision of a self-reliant and sustainable energy future under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi."

Homegrown innovation

The new models were developed at Hero MotoCorp’s Centre for Innovation & Technology (CIT) in Jaipur.

Harshavardhan Chitale, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, commented on the engineering focus behind the launch: "The launch of the flex fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe marks another important step in our commitment towards cleaner and sustainable mobility. Developed at our Centre for Innovation & Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, these motorcycles underscore our commitment to delivering future-ready and locally relevant technologies. With minimal-to-no import content, our motorcycles strongly reflect India’s disruptive capabilities in manufacturing, while reinforcing the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat and long-term energy security."

Hero MotoCorp is aiming to make sustainable mobility accessible to millions by introducing this technology to the mass-market 100cc segment, and potentially playing a pivotal role in India’s mission to cut economic carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, the company said in a statement.

Shares of Hero MotoCorp ended 0.72% lower at ₹4,840 apiece on the NSE on Wednesday. The company’s stock has surged 15% during the past year, outperforming the Nifty Midcap 50 index that has seen a rise of over 7% during the same period.