From Corn Field to Gas Tank
Most Americans understand the concepts of reducing dependency on foreign oil and carbon footprints. To that end, the United States has been searching for alternative eco-friendly fuel sources. Enter ethanol.
Ethanol is an alcohol (ethyl alcohol), like what you find in booze. It can also be added to gasoline, thereby reducing the volume of gas needed to fill up your car.
Ethanol comes from a number of plant sources, primarily corn. Another popular source is sugar cane. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center says about 95% of U.S. gasoline contains at least 10% ethanol by volume (E10). There’s also an 85% ethanol blend (E85) but this can only be used in special “flex fuel” vehicles.
What could go wrong
Ethanol reduces the need for foreign oil and comes from a renewable source. It seems like the perfect solution, but there are a few drawbacks:
- Reduced Power – Road and Track magazine claims E10 gas can lower gas mileage, as much as 3%. This is because ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline.
- Corrosion – Ethanol attracts water, according to Road and Track. This can cause poor performance in engines. Ethanol also corrodes some metals and rubber. These may not be major problems with newer cars, but could damage classic, marine or aviation engines.
- Politics and Economics – It’s hard to avoid news about the gas lobby in this country. Now that ethanol is a factor in gas, the USDA and agriculture lobbyists need to jockey for political positioning. And if ethanol was suddenly removed from gas, the prices for each would change drastically, and a ripple effect would wash over the rest of the economy.
In the near future, an E15 blend may be as common as E10 is today, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. While ethanol may have some disadvantages, it certainly is at the gas pump to stay.
Need an auto body professional? Call Great Plains Auto Body 402.334.7100
