Hero MotoCorp and Maruti Suzuki are preparing to introduce vehicles that run on 100% ethanol, as India looks to reduce petrol and diesel use and expand alternative fuels.
Hero MotoCorp is scheduled to launch the country’s first motorcycle designed to operate entirely on ethanol on June 3. Unlike existing flex-fuel models that typically run on up to 85% ethanol blends, this two-wheeler is expected to use only ethanol.
The upcoming ethanol motorcycle is likely to be based on the HF Deluxe platform, according to expectations cited in the report.
Maruti Suzuki is set to unveil India’s first 100% ethanol-powered car on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. The model is expected to be either a WagonR or a Fronx.
At present, India uses E20 petrol—petrol blended with 20% ethanol. The new vehicles are being designed to run on E100, or 100% ethanol fuel.
