Ethanol

Introduction:

The use of an alternative fuel can lessen dependence upon oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made by fermenting and distilling starch crops, such as corn.

 

Ethanol formation:

 

• Ethanol can be made from plants such as trees and grasses.

• E10 is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% petrol (gasoline). Almost all manufacturers approve the use of E10 in their vehicles.

• E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol and can be used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

• FFVs are specially designed to run on petrol, E85, or any mixture of the two.

• These vehicles are offered by several manufacturers.

• There is no noticeable difference in vehicle performance when E85 is used.

• However, FFVs operating on E85 usually experience a 20–30% drop in miles per gallon owing to the lower energy content of ethanol.

 

 

There are some advantages and disadvantages of using ethanol:

 

Advantages:

 

● lower emissions of air pollutants

● more resistant to engine knock

● added vehicle cost is very small.

 

Disadvantages:

 

● can only be used in fl exible fuel vehicles

● lower energy content, resulting in fewer miles per gallon

● limited availability.