From sugarcane fields to fuel tanks: Hero unveils India’s first E85-compatible motorcycles

New Delhi: In a significant development for India's ethanol blending programme and green mobility mission, Hero MotoCorp has launched the country's first mass-market flex-fuel motorcycles capable of running on E85 fuel, a blend containing up to 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. The company introduced the new Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel motorcycles in the presence of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The launch is being viewed as a major milestone in India's efforts to reduce crude oil imports, cut vehicular emissions and increase the use of domestically produced biofuels. What Makes These Bikes Different? Unlike conventional motorcycles that run primarily on petrol, the newly launched Hero motorcycles can operate on ethanol-blended fuel ranging from E20 to E85. To support higher ethanol content, Hero MotoCorp has upgraded several components including the fuel system, engine calibration and electronic control systems. The motorcycles are designed to deliver reliable performance while using cleaner fuel. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel is powered by a 97.2cc engine producing around 8.4 bhp and 8.3 Nm of torque. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel uses a similar powertrain adapted for ethanol-rich fuel blends. Prices and...