Biofuels in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
Ethanol Questions
What is ethanol?
Ethanol is a clear, colorless alcohol fuel made by fermenting the sugars found in grains, such as corn, grain sorghum, and wheat.
How does the use of ethanol reduce exhaust emissions?
Since ethanol contains oxygen, it
contributes to a cleaner, more efficient burn of the gasoline,
which results in lower CO exhaust emissions. Ethanol is a
simple chemical which, when burned, does not produce the
complex pollutants and aromatics formed by many
hydrocarbons and gasoline additives.
Source:
www.ethanol.org/documents/QuestionsandAnswersonEthanol.pdf
Will the use of ethanol void my vehicle warranty?
No. All vehicle manufacturers in the U.S. approve the
use of ethanol in vehicles manufactured since 1982 and
some recommend ethanol use for environmental reasons.
Many manufacturers do recommend against the use of
methanol, which is very corrosive and should not be
confused with ethanol.
Source:
www.ethanol.org/documents/QuestionsandAnswersonEthanol.pdf
What is E85?
E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and only 15% petroleum, is
making a splash in the fuel and automotive industry. E85
is used to power flexible-fuel vehicles or FFVs, which
cost the same as gasoline models and can run on any
mixture of ethanol and gasoline. With three million FFVs
currently on the road in the U.S., many people are
surprised to learn that they already own an FFV. Even
better news is that E85 often costs 10 to 20 cents less
than gasoline.
Source:
www.ethanol.org/documents/QuestionsandAnswersonEthanol.pdf