In a significant step towards sustainable mobility, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the ADV160, marking the debut of India's first flex-fuel scooter capable of running on E85. This strategic move, unveiled on Friday, July 24, 2026, aligns with India's ambitious ethanol roadmap, extending beyond the current E20 blend.
The Honda ADV160 is designed to operate on E85 fuel, a blend consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. This pioneering scooter also boasts segment-leading features, including an 8.1-litre fuel tank and a spacious 27-litre under-seat storage capacity, enhancing its practicality for Indian consumers.
Honda's Flex-Fuel Strategy and Local Manufacturing
The introduction of the ADV160 underscores Honda's commitment to alternative-fuel vehicles and its "Made in India, for India and the World" manufacturing philosophy. The scooter will be produced locally, reinforcing India's growing role as a global manufacturing and innovation hub for the Japanese automaker.
This is Honda's second flex-fuel vehicle in India, following the CB300F Flex Fuel motorbike launched in 2024. However, the CB300F was discontinued as E85 fuel infrastructure was not widely available until June 2026. HMSI President and CEO, Tsutsumu Otani, emphasized the company's proactive approach, stating, "We follow the government's direction. Today it is E20. We will prepare for E25 and flex-fuel vehicles."
Prioritizing Customer Growth and a Multi-Pathway Approach
Otani highlighted Honda's focus on expanding its user base and ensuring customer satisfaction over merely pursuing market share. "The important thing is not market share. The important thing is increasing our user base... customer satisfaction and customer care,” he explained.
Regarding electric mobility, Honda is adopting a cautious, data-driven strategy for motorcycles and scooters, carefully studying diverse usage patterns. Otani also acknowledged that the company's battery-swapping model for electric scooters has “not been so good” in its initial phase.
Alongside the ADV160, HMSI unveiled an expanded portfolio of 10 new or refreshed motorcycle and scooter models for the Indian market. This diverse lineup addresses various customer needs, encompassing cruising, adventure touring, roadsters, and lifestyle-oriented riding, in addition to electric and flex-fuel options. Otani affirmed this "multi-pathway approach," stating it includes "advanced ICE vehicles, electric mobility solutions and flex-fuel technologies designed to address diverse customer needs and varying infrastructure readiness."
India's Growing Importance for Honda
India is emerging as a critical market and a global hub for Honda, contributing approximately one-third of its worldwide two-wheeler volumes. The localization of these new models signifies a major milestone, strengthening HMSI’s product development, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities within the country.
Otani concluded, "This allows us to bring Honda's global technologies closer to Indian customers while reinforcing India's role as an important manufacturing and export hub within Honda's global operations." The launch of the ADV160 and the broader portfolio reflects Honda's strategic vision for sustainable and diversified mobility solutions in the Indian market.