There has been bluster and rhetoric for over 30 years about dependence on foreign oil, though there is good reason. A novel idea was brought up, which was to power vehicles with ethanol rather than gasoline. Most gas stations already have ethanol in the gasoline that is sold, and E10, or a mixture with 10 percent ethanol, is just about everywhere. The determination of whether to approve E15, or a 15 percent ethanol gas solution, is being weighed by the EPA. There isn’t a good deal of science out on it yet. That is why auto makers are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to hold off on deciding.
The Environmental Protection Agency weighs in on 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. Currently, it is being tested by the Department of Energy, according to Popular Mechanics. The idea is discover out if it works in autos no older than 10 years old. However, with 88 percent of all automobiles on the road being 10 years old or older, this isn’t one of the most realistic testing group. The Environmental Protection Agency has been lobbied by the Auto Alliance not to make a decision just yet. The effects on older autos from E15 should be known before being given approval. Ricardo Inc., and engineering and design firm has determined that E15 doesn’t harm older cars, but more study is likely needed.
Gas from ethanol
Ethanol also goes by another name, which is moonshine. It is a flammable and combustible chemical. However, there is a hitch. According to Wikipedia, ethanol has 34 percent less energy by volume than gas does. As result, an ethanol-only engine uses 50 percent more fuel than a gasoline engine. However, this can be countered with just a little tinkering. Adjusting the compression can make ethanol autos more powerful, and thus achieve parity with gas. However, ethanol as a fuel has not been proven to achieve greater fuel efficiency, or miles per gallon, than gasoline has.
The by-product
Grain is already getting used as a gas crop. However, the danger with supplanting gas with ethanol is that crops, especially grains, increase in scarcity and therefore cost. Cheap and abundant grain can’t be discounted, as that is the very thing which made, and nevertheless makes, civilization itself possible.
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
