Flex-fuel motorcycles: Hero MotoCorp launches Splendor+ and HF Deluxe for up to 85% ethanol

Hero MotoCorp has launched India’s first flex-fuel motorcycles, the Splendor+ and HF Deluxe. Both models can run on petrol mixed with ethanol up to 85 per cent. The company said the new motorcycles aim to support cleaner daily travel. The launch came ahead of World Environment Day with senior Union ministers attending the unveiling.

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Hero MotoCorp said the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel costs Rs 72,792 Ex-showroom Delhi. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 82,710 Ex-showroom Delhi. The company added that the Flex Fuel portfolio will begin sales in July 2026. It will start in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra.

Hero MotoCorp flex-fuel motorcycles rollout and pricing

After the first phase, Hero MotoCorp said a nationwide rollout will follow soon thereafter. The company described the motorcycles as practical for regular use. The statement said the models keep the familiar performance and low ownership costs. It also linked flex-fuel use to reducing the carbon footprint of daily commuting.

The company said these motorcycles support India’s goal to cut economic carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030. The statement connected the reduction to lower emissions from travel. Hero MotoCorp did not change the core positioning of the two commuter models. The announcement focused on fuel flexibility rather than new styling or features.

Hero MotoCorp flex-fuel motorcycles and government push for cleaner fuels

The motorcycles were unveiled in the presence of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also attended. At the event, Gadkari said, India is rapidly advancing the adoption of alternative fuels and cleaner mobility technologies.

Gadkari added, Hero MotoCorps 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 remarks linked flex-fuel vehicles with both energy goals and rural income from biofuel feedstocks.

Puri said, India is steadily building a future-ready mobility ecosystem powered by cleaner and domestically produced fuels. Puri added, 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. The comments stressed domestic fuels and reduced import dependence.

Harshavardhan Chitale, Chief Executive Officer CEO, Hero MotoCorp said, the launch of the Flex Fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe marks another important step in our commitment towards cleaner and sustainable mobility. The statement aligned the company’s plans with wider policy moves on alternative fuels. It also placed the launch within India’s shift to lower-emission transport choices.

Hero MotoCorp flex-fuel motorcycles and proposed emission rule changes

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed changes to vehicle emission rules. The proposal aims to widen options for higher ethanol blends and other fuels. The draft would amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. It is intended to support flex-fuel and pure biofuel vehicles across all vehicle types.

The draft changes cover E85, which is 85 per cent ethanol mixed with petrol. They also include E100, which allows running on nearly pure ethanol. The proposed scope also mentions B100 biodiesel and hydrogen-CNG combinations. These options would create rules for more fuel types to be used legally and safely.

India has already reached 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol, using biomass sources. The fuels can come from sugarcane, corn or rice, as noted in the statement. This blending is presented as a cleaner-burning option. It also reduces the need for imported crude oil and helps cut carbon emissions.

With inputs from PTI