The introduction of the Hero Splendor Flex Fuel and the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel by Hero Motocorp marks a major shift in India’s two-wheeler market, providing models fully compatible with ethanol-blended petrol ranging from E20 up to E85 (85% ethanol mixing). The unveiling occurred in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day, attended by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This rollout directly aligns with India’s national policy to scale up ethanol blending, decrease crude oil import expenditures, and achieve a 45% reduction in economic carbon intensity by 2030.
Integration of Indigenous Technology and Local Manufacturing
Developed entirely at Hero MotoCorp’s Centre for Innovation & Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, these 100cc mass-segment motorcycles utilize domestic engineering to minimize foreign dependency. The engines have been re-engineered with updated Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and upgraded fuel system components to tolerate the unique properties of high-ethanol blends while sustaining reliable performance.
Harshavardhan Chitale, Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp, emphasized the domestic reliance built into these models:
“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.”
Performance Specifications and Regional Availability
Both the Hero Splendor Flex Fuel and Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel feature a 97.2cc single-cylinder engine configuration. When running on E85 fuel, the upgraded powertrain delivers a power output of 6.3 kW at 8,000 rpm and a torque peak of 8.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
Key technical configurations shared across both models include:
- Engine Optimization: Revised ECU mappings alongside highly durable fuel system components designed for ethanol tolerance.
- Efficiency Features: Integration of Hero’s proprietary i3S idle-stop-start technology.
- Safety & Instrument Upgrades: Inclusion of a side-stand engine cut-off system and a newly styled digi-analogue instrument cluster.
- Visual Styling: Both motorcycles feature a distinctive Black with Lime Yellow graphics package and ride on tubeless tyres.
The commercial rollout will commence in July 2026, targeting Delhi and designated sectors of Maharashtra before expanding nationwide shortly thereafter.
Market Pricing and Economic Impact
As India aims to substitute expensive crude oil imports with locally produced biofuels—benefiting the domestic agricultural sector—competitive pricing remains vital for mass consumer adoption. The Flex Fuel HF Deluxe Price is positioned at INR 72,792 (Ex-showroom, Delhi), whereas the Flex Fuel Splendor Price is established at INR 82,710 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
With a global footprint covering 52 countries and a consumer base exceeding 130 million, Hero MotoCorp’s operational infrastructure consists of eight production facilities worldwide, including six within India. The company’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index underscores its broader institutional shift toward sustainable operations, which now extends directly to its highest-volume commuter portfolio.
| Model | Fuel Mixing Compatibility | Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi) |
| HF Deluxe Flex Fuel | E20 to E85 | INR 72,792 |
| Splendor+ Flex Fuel | E20 to E85 | INR 82,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary differences between standard models and the Hero HF Deluxe Hero Splendor Flex Fuel bikes?
The primary difference lies in fuel compatibility and internal engineering. While standard models operate on standard petrol or E20 blends, the new flex-fuel models feature a revised ECU and upgraded fuel system components. This allowing them to run seamlessly on any ethanol-blended fuel ranging from E20 up to E85 (85% ethanol content) without component degradation.
What is the Flex Fuel Splendor Price and Flex Fuel HF Deluxe Price in India?
The official launch prices for the new models are fixed as follows: the Flex Fuel HF Deluxe Price is INR 72,792 (Ex-showroom Delhi), and the Flex Fuel Splendor Price is INR 82,710 (Ex-showroom Delhi).
When will the new Hero flex-fuel motorcycles become available for purchase?
Hero MotoCorp will launch the flex-fuel portfolio in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra in July 2026. A broader nationwide commercial rollout across India will follow soon after the initial regional launch.
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