A new comprehensive engineering analysis performed by Ricardo, Incorporated, an internationally recognized engineering firm, shows that moving from 10 percent ethanol in gasoline to 15 percent will mean little, if any, change on the performance of older cars and light trucks, those manufactured between 1994 and 2000. Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, says - this analysis provides conclusive evidence for the EPA that there is no reason to limit the availability of E15 to newer vehicles only.
This study concluded - that the adoption and use of E15 in the motor vehicle fleet from the studied model years should not adversely affect these vehicles or cause them to perform in a sub-optimal manner when compared with their performance using the E10 blend that is currently available. Careful review of the effects of exposure from E15 on vehicle driveability, catalytic converter durability and on board diagnostic systems of these model years determined no significant effect from an increase of 5% ethanol.
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering a fuel waiver request to allow ethanol to be blended up to 15 percent. The Agency has previously stated it expected to approve E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles only. |