Ethanol in Cars

Ethanol can be run in cars

Ethanol in Small Percentages

FlexfuelPhoto credit: GMC

Most drivers today don’t realize that even without doing anything different, they can use ethanol. One of the largest markets for ethanol is in regular unleaded gas, just like the fuel at any old gas station. Ten percent ethanol is mixed with the unleaded in order to make the unleaded last longer. This is called an E10 mix. In some cases, this E10 mix gives better gas mileage due to the fact that ethanol, as an oxidized fuel, lets the unleaded fuel combust completely. This means that less gas is wasted in the exhaust. 1 Studies show that even doubling the percentage of ethanol in the unleaded fuel will not damage an older engine. 1 The possibility of running ethanol at quantities of up to 20% gives ethanol great possibility as an alternative fuel, even if larger concentrations of ethanol never reach widespread use.

Ethanol in Large Percentages

Another option for using ethanol is an eighty-five percent blend of ethanol known as E85. E85 is a blend of eighty five percent ethanol and fifteen percent denaturant. E85 cannot be used in every engine without problems, but every engine can be modified to use ethanol. Sometimes there are problems with emissions, but the process is possible. 2 Use of E85 has been embraced by most of the major American automotive manufactures in their “flex fuel” vehicles. These vehicles can use E85 without any modifications. Currently, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, and Nissan all have flex fuel vehicles. Additionally, other manufacturers, such as Toyota, have announced their entry into the flex fuel vehicle market.

References

  1. Brekke, Kristin. “New Research Again Confirms the Practicality, Benefits of Higher Ethanol Blends” American Coalition for Ethanol. Mar 5. 2008 Apr 23. 2008 <http://www.ethanol.org/pdf/contentmgmt/MN_E20_findings_back_higher_blends_study_5508.pdf>
  2. National Ethanol Vehicle Colition. “Can A Vehicle be Converted to Operate on E85?” Apr 23. 2008. Apr 23. 2008 <http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/conversion.php>