India’s first-ever ethanol-powered motorcycle, the TVS Apache E100 (RTR 200 Fi+ABS) has been officially launched in India at a price tag of INR 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike will be initially available in only 3 states: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is based on the same design language as that of its petrol variant which is currently available for INR 1.11 lakh. The newly launched ethanol-powered bike from TVS was first unveiled at the 2018 Auto Expo.
The major differences that set it apart from its petrol sibling are the addition of green decals on the fuel tank as well as the use of eco-friendly bio-ethanol fuel. The ethanol is manufactured from sugarcane molasses and sorghum, that is basically an oxygenated mixture of alcohol and gasoline that makes way for much cleaner combustion as compared to the other fossil fuels.
TVS Apache E100 has been equipped with electronic fuel injection technology in order to ensure better power delivery. The fuel injection allows 50 per cent less Benzene and Butadiene gases to be emitted in the air making it one of the environment-friendly substitutions. The motorcycle is also equipped with 2-channel ABS as standard.
Powering the Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is a 200cc single-cylinder engine capable of churning out a maximum power output of 21 HP at 8500 rpm and peak torque of 18.1 Nm at 7000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The company claims the top speed of the bike to be around 129 kmph.
Ethanol, when burned, emits 35% less Carbon Monoxide in the air when compared to the petrol-powered engines. Though there are no ethanol pumps in the country as of yet, the government is planning to install them in a short time. When available in India, the fuel will be available at a lesser price than that of petrol.
Commenting on the launch of Ethanol powered Apache RTR 200 FI, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motors stated: “TVS Motor Company believes that Ethanol-based products are an important option for our customers. This is due to the easy compatibility in the transition to Ethanol and its sustained positive impact on the environment without compromising on performance and total cost of ownership. TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi E100 is a breakthrough in the two-wheeler space that will set the trend for a green future in India.”
