Dependence on foreign oil is a hot topic, however it’s not a new one. Each president since Jimmy Carter has said something about yet. Ethanol is one of the many substitute fuels that have been suggested. Most gas stations use E10, or a 10 percent ethanol mixture, within the gas they sell already. The decision of whether to approve E15, or a 15 percent ethanol gas solution, is being weighed by the EPA. There isn’t really a good deal of science out on it yet. That is why auto makers are urging the EPA to hold off on deciding.
EPA and E15
Currently, the EPA is finding out what it can concerning the launch of E15. E15 is an ethanol-gas solution, contained 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gas. The Department of Energy is testing the effects of E15 on cars that are no older than 10 years, according to Popular Mechanics. However, with 88 percent of all cars on the road being 10 years old or older, this is not probably the most realistic testing group. The Auto Alliance, a consortium of car manufacturers, has advised the Environmental Protection Agency not for making any ruling on E15 until Auto Alliance studies have been completed. At least one study, by engineering group Ricardo, Inc., found that E15 has no harmful effects on autos older than 10 years.
From tippling to the track
Ethanol is a portmanteau of the name of the compound ethyl alcohol. In other words, ethanol is booze. It is a flammable and combustible chemical. According to Wikipedia, the drawback to using ethanol is that it has about 34 percent less energy per unit of volume than gasoline. This has a noticeable impact. An ethanol only engine will use about 50 percent more fuel than a gasoline engine. However, parity with gas power could be achieved by increasing the compression, and making the engine more powerful. However, ethanol as a fuel has not been proven to achieve greater fuel efficiency, or miles per gallon, than gasoline has.
Unintended consequences
Use of ethanol is not likely to be totally curtailed. Grain has been a gasoline crop for a while, and will continue. However, ethanol will never be able to supplant gasoline as a fuel. Grain will become more scarce, and therefore increase in price should much more of the grain harvest be converted to fuel. Cheap grain is more essential in the long run. Civilization itself is only made possible with cheap and abundant grain.
Popular Mechanics
popularmechanics.com/cars/alternative-fuel/biofuels/renewable-fuels-association-urges-epa-to-approve-e15-for-older-vehicles?click=pm_news
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel
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