FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

E85 & ETHANOL

Why should we use ethanol?
What happens when E85 is not available?
What are the differences in an FFV compared to a regular gasoline-only model?
Are different parts used?
Does an FFV cost more than a gasoline-only model?
What is the range of a flexible-fuel ethanol vehicle?
What is the price of E85?
Is E85 more toxic or dangerous than gasoline?


Why should we use ethanol?
Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than conventional gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestically produced, environmentally friendly fuel that enhances the nation's economy and energy security. Today the U.S. imports nearly 60% of its petroleum, and our overall consumption continues to increase. By supporting fuel ethanol and use, U.S. motorists can help reverse that trend.

What happens when E85 is not available?
The FFV system allows the driver to use any combination of gasoline or ethanol-from 100 percent unleaded gasoline to 85 percent ethanol. A driver can therefore use unleaded gasoline if E85 is not available.


What are the differences in an FFV compared to a regular gasoline-only model? Are different parts used?
The primary difference is the fuel sensor that detects the ethanol/gasoline ratio. A number of other parts on the FFV's fuel delivery system are modified to be ethanol-compatible. The fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, computer system and anti-siphon device have been modified slightly. Alcohol fuels can be more corrosive than gasoline. Therefore; fuel system parts have been upgraded to be ethanol-compatible.

Does an FFV cost more than a gasoline-only model?
When manufacturers offer a flexible-fuel engine as an option in their vehicles, there is little to no additional cost. In model year 1998, manufacturers began making flexible-fuel engines standard equipment on certain makes and models.

What is the range of a flexible-fuel ethanol vehicle?
Ethanol has a lower energy density than conventional gasoline. However, E85 also has a much higher octane rating (100+) than gasoline. FFVs are "flexible" and not dedicated to E85 and some drivers may experience a 5% to 15% drop in fuel economy. However, you'll find the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of E85 outweigh any variation. The fuel economy of any vehicle will vary with temperature, road conditions, driving habits and other factors. For comparison purposes, aggressive driving habits can result in a 20% loss and low tire pressure can reduce mileage by 6%.

What is the price of E85?
E85 prices vary by the market being considered. Typically, E85 is competitive with gasoline. However, as is the case with all forms of fuel, the larger the network of fueling outlets, typically the more competitively priced is the fuel.

Is E85 more toxic or dangerous than gasoline?
No. 100% ethanol can be and is ingested by human beings. The fuel ethanol must be "denatured" or poisoned with gasoline or a bitter agent to prevent ingestion. Also, ethanol does not contain the same harmful carcinogens and toxins found in gasoline.

BIODIESEL

What is Biodiesel?
Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?
Is biodiesel used as a pure fuel or is it blended with petroleum diesel?
Is it approved for use in the US?
How much biodiesel has been sold in the US?
How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
Can biodiesel help mitigate "global warming"?
Is biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel?
Does biodiesel cost more than other alternative fuels?
Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?


What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Is Biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?
No! Biodiesel is produced from any fat or oil such as soybean oil, through a refinery process called transesterification. This process is a reaction of the oil with an alcohol to remove the glycerin, which is a by-product of biodiesel production. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel. For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows: Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends are denoted as, "BXX" with "XX" representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (ie: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

Is biodiesel used as a pure fuel or is it blended with petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent by volume biodiesel with 80 percent by volume petroleum diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other consumers.

Is it approved for use in the US?
Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and meets clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Neat (100 percent) biodiesel has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

How much biodiesel has been sold in the US?
The National Biodiesel Board has released the following sales volume estimates for the US:

2004 -- 35 million gallons
2003 -- 25 million gallons
2002 -- 15 million gallons
2001 -- 5 million gallons
2000 -- 2 million gallons
1999 -- 500,000 gallons

How do biodiesel emissions compare to petroleum diesel?
Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel. Of the major exhaust pollutants, both unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides are ozone or smog forming precursors. The use of biodiesel results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons. Emissions of nitrogen oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on the duty cycle of the engine and testing methods used. Based on engine testing, using the most stringent emissions testing protocols required by EPA for certification of fuels or fuel additives in the US, the overall ozone forming potential of the speciated hydrocarbon emissions from biodiesel was nearly 50 percent less than that measured for diesel fuel.

Can biodiesel help mitigate "global warming"?
A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces net COČ emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This is due to biodiesel's closed carbon cycle. The COČ released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled by growing plants, which are later processed into fuel.

Is biodiesel safer than petroleum diesel?
Scientific research confirms that biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel emissions have decreased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrited PAH compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing compounds. Test results indicate PAH compounds were reduced by 75 to 85 percent, with the exception of benzo(a)anthracene, which was reduced by roughly 50 percent. Targeted nPAH compounds were also reduced dramatically with biodiesel fuel, with 2-nitrofluorene and 1-nitropyrene reduced by 90 percent, and the rest of the nPAH compounds reduced to only trace levels.

Does biodiesel cost more than other alternative fuels?
When reviewing the high costs associated with other alternative fuel systems, many fleet managers have determined biodiesel is their least-cost-strategy to comply with state and federal regulations. Use of biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. That means operators keep their fleets, their spare parts inventories, their refueling stations and their skilled mechanics. The only thing that changes is air quality.

Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?
Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification is used.