Ethanol
Ethanol is an
alcohol-based fuel
produced by fermenting
and distilling starch
crops (corn, barley,
wheat, etc) after they
have been converted into
simple sugars. 100%
ethanol is not generally
used as a motor fuel,
instead, ethanol is used
as an additive to give
benefits to unleaded
gasoline. These
benefits include lower
costs, higher octane
ratings, and lower
emissions.
The two
most common blends of
ethanol gasoline are:
E10 - 10% ethanol and
90% unleaded gasoline
E10 (sometimes called
gasohol) is approved for
use in any make or model
of vehicle sold in the
U.S. and adds 2-3 points
of octane to gasoline.
E85 - 85%
ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline
E85 is an alternative
fuel for use in flexible
fuel vehicles (FFVs).
This blend contains
approximately 27% less
energy per gallon than
conventional gasoline,
but typical burns more
efficiently. |
