Bajaj Pulsar ethanol-fueled motorcycle unveiled

Indian Automotive Industry Just Adopted E20 Fuel and E100 Capable Bajaj Pulsar Ethanol Blended Fuel Motorcycle Prototype Shows Future Possibilities

If there is one motorcycle manufacturer in India that is exploring alternative fuels, it is Bajaj Auto. The company has been actively promoting and promoting alternative fuels. Bajaj recently showcased a Pulsar NS160 that is capable of running on 100% ethanol. Let’s take a look.

Bajaj Pulsar Ethanol Fuel Motorcycle

After launching the world’s first CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, Bajaj Auto is all set to launch more affordable motorcycles based on CNG powertrains. However, the quest for eco-friendly fuel does not stop at CNG. Bajaj is now showcasing its expertise in flexible-fuel technology as well.

At the IBET (Indian Bio Energy & Technology) Expo 2024, Bajaj proudly showcased their engineering prowess and their vision for future powertrains and fuels. Ethanol has always been a promising alternative to conventional petrol. Hence, giving way to flex-fuel motorcycles that run on ethanol or ethanol blends.

The Bajaj Pulsar Ethanol motorcycle showcased at IBET 2024 is capable of running on E100 fuel (100% ethanol) and can run on different blends of ethanol and conventional gasoline. Flex-fuel motorcycles require higher engineering than conventional E20 motorcycles sold in India.

This is because ethanol tends to absorb a lot of water, causing internal corrosion. The fuel tank and feed system, as well as the fuel delivery system, need to be completely redesigned to accommodate ethanol without corrosion. In addition, the ECU must be smart enough to recognize the mixture and adjust the parameters accordingly.

India has been pushing for green fuels, with the entire auto industry having moved from E10 to E20 fuel systems a few years ago. Bajaj’s advancement in ethanol fuel will put it in an advantageous position when standards shift to higher concentrations of ethanol blends in the future.

100% ethanol is suitable

Bajaj Auto has been active in the Brazilian market and the company sells motorcycles powered by the E27 engine. The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 Flex Fuel motorcycle was showcased at the 2024 IBET along with the Freedom 125 and looks almost identical to the standard motorcycle. While the fuel storage and delivery system has changed, the powertrain is likely to remain the same.

We are talking about a 160.3cc single cylinder 4V oil-cooled engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. We can see similar components on this particular unit as well. As of now, it is uncertain when E100 fuel will become mainstream, but higher levels of ethanol blending may well be the future of ICE motorcycles and scooters.