What type of vehicles use ethanol

And, nationwide, nearly 70 percent of gasoline includes an ethanol blend. Ethanol is an octane enhancer or anti-knock additive. It also helps the gasoline burn cleaner, which makes it a friend to the environment with less carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen "nox" emissions. The most common blend is E10, which includes up to 10 percent ethanol blended with unleaded gasoline.

All auto manufacturers that sell vehicles in the United States cover under warranty the use of up to 10 percent ethanol E10 in the vehicle. More consumers now have the ability to choose E85, which is a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, at a local gasoline stations.

In order to use E85, consumers must use a flex fuel vehicle or had a vehicle modified to use E The Fuels Rebate is for E85 and biodiesel when used in a vehicle at least 50 percent during the year. Consumers may apply for a vehicle rebate when an E85 or biodiesel vehicle is purchased. Conversion rebates are also available when converting a conventional gasoline or diesel engine to an alternative fuel.

However, conversion to natural gas, propane, or electricity are more common under that program. Much research has been done and more is in progress to test other ethanol blends for use in motor vehicles.

One of the studies 2 , which was released in December , found that some vehicles had better fuel efficiency, even higher than gasoline, with a blend of 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent unleaded gasoline E Some state governments are considering increasing ethanol blends within their states and increased ethanol blends were part of discussions with automakers during federal economic bailout negotiations in late However, currently in Illinois all ethanol blends higher than 10 percent must be labeled, "For flexible fuel vehicle use only.

Ethanol has a number of important chemical and physical properties that need to be considered in a vehicle's design. Vehicles made before vehicles were predominantly equipped with carburettors and steel fuel tanks. Vehicles with carburettor fuel systems may experience hot fuel handling concerns. This is because the vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol will be greater if the base fuel is not chemically adjusted and probability of vapour lock or hot restartability problems will be increased.

As a solvent, ethanol attacks both the metallic and rubber based fuels lines, and other fuel system components. Ethanol also has an affinity to water that can result in corrosion of fuel tanks and fuel lines.

Rust resulting from this corrosion can ultimately block the fuel supply rendering the engine inoperable. Water in the fuel system can also result in the engine hesitating and running roughly. In addition to the issues mentioned above for carburettor equipped engines, the use of ethanol blended petrol in fuel injection systems will result in early deterioration of components such as injector seals, delivery pipes, and fuel pump and regulator.

Mechanical fuel injection systems and earlier electronic systems may not be able to fully compensate for the lean-out effect of ethanol blended petrol, resulting in hesitation or flat-spots during acceleration.

Lean-out resulting from the oxygenating effect of ethanol in the fuel may affect exhaust emissions. Of more concern is that fuel containing ethanol can increase permeation emissions from fuel system components, particularly those that have aged for nearly 20 years.

Therefore the increased vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol if the base fuel is not chemically adjusted at the refining stage will lead to increased evaporative emissions. Can my vehicle operate on Ethanol blend petrol? Will Ethanol damage my vehicle or affect its performance? Vehicle Model suitability for E5 or E10 use The following table lists vehicle models suitability to run on E5 or E10 ethanol blended petrol. Carburettor Equipped Engines Vehicles made before vehicles were predominantly equipped with carburettors and steel fuel tanks.

So check back soon. In the meantime, kick the tires and take Check Your Car for a test drive. Fuel Freedom is a non-profit with a simple mission: break America's oil addiction by bringing competition to the U.

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