Dependence on foreign oil is a hot topic, however it’s not a new one. Every 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. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency is thinking about whether to approve use of E15 for late or older models. Auto firms are urging the EPA to wait until enough evidence has been compiled.
The EPA weighs in on E15
The Environmental Protection Agency has the oversight on approving new fuels. Right now, it is weighing the merits 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 find out if it works in autos no older than 10 years old. However, about 88 percent of all vehicles within the U.S. in use are 10 years old or older. The Environmental Protection Agency has been lobbied by the Auto Alliance not to make a determination just yet. The effects on older automobiles from E15 should be known before being given approval. Ricardo Inc., and engineering and design firm has determined that E15 doesn’t harm older automobiles, however more study is likely needed.
New meaning for boozed up driving
Ethanol also goes by another name, which is moonshine. The liquid certainly could be used as a fuel. It is combustible, or rather it contains lots of energy. However, there is a hitch. According to Wikipedia, ethanol has 34 percent less energy by volume than gas does. Resulting from that is 50 percent greater use of fuel in an ethanol only vehicle. With greater compression, ethanol engines can produce more power and become more efficient. However, ethanol as a fuel has not been proven to achieve greater fuel efficiency, or miles per gallon, than gasoline has.
Unintentional consequences
Grain is already being used as a gasoline crop. Grain cannot supplant gas as a gas entirely, as the price of food grain will skyrocket should ethanol be used as a complete replacement. Cheap grain is more significant within the long run. Civilization itself is only made possible with cheap and abundant grain.
Additional reading
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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