Honda hints at more flex-fuel models for India, details ‘top secret'
Niimura was speaking on the sidelines of a session on carbon neutrality. According to him, India's growing bioethanol infrastructure, combined with domestic feedstock availability, positions the country to expand low-carbon mobility at scale. 'India has the potential to achieve both economic development and CO₂ reduction by using the complete energy sources,' he said.
The Honda executive argued that bioethanol is currently the quickest and most practical route for India's two-wheeler segment to cut emissions. While electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, Niimura noted that battery production carries a significant carbon footprint.
'Bioethanol-powered internal combustion engines can achieve comparable or better results over the vehicle's life,' he explained. 'We need to produce vehicles that can run on low-carbon energy at an affordable price.'
Brazil's success story as a blueprint
Honda's case for bioethanol is informed by its experience in Brazil, where the company launched the world's first flex-fuel motorcycle, the CG 150 Titan Mix, in 2009. The country's RenovaBio policy, introduced in 2019, combined incentives for manufacturers, fuel producers and consumers, accelerating adoption.
'Brazil achieved the spread of biofuels without imposing pain on anyone,' Niimura said, adding that government support ensured biofuel infrastructure and vehicle availability developed in parallel.
In India, bioethanol production has expanded since the 2018 biofuel policy enabled use of multiple feedstocks, reducing dependence on imported oil and gas. Niimura said this approach also offers socio-economic benefits.
'Producing crops for bioethanol contributes to the development of agriculture,' he said. 'Increasing production will increase income and make farmers' lives more prosperous.'
Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all products by the 2040s. Niimura acknowledged that while other technologies will be part of the long-term mix, bioethanol is the fastest deployable option in the near term.
Honda launched its first flex-fuel motorcycle in India in October 2024. The company currently offers the
CB300F flex-fuel
variant in the domestic market.
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