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Ethanol

Intermediate Ethanol Blend Research

Several government and industry groups are researching the effect of intermediate ethanol blends on the exhaust and evaporative emissions, driving performance, and engine and fuel system components of gasoline-powered automobiles. Researchers are also investigating the effects of intermediate blends on small engines such as those used in lawn equipment, motorboats, and off-road vehicles. Because the fuel systems in small engines are not as advanced as those in automobiles, they react differently to the use of ethanol-blended fuel; the increased oxygen content in intermediate ethanol blends could cause operational and safety issues in small engines.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Laboratories are evaluating automotive emissions and catalyst durability as well as the performance and durability of small engines. Published information on this current research is not yet available.

The Coordinating Research Council (CRC)—an automotive and petroleum industry research organization—is researching areas such as evaporative emissions, fuel system component durability, fuel volatility, and catalyst durability. See the following reports and visit the CRC Web site for results of recent intermediate ethanol blend research:

In 2005, Minnesota came to the forefront of efforts to use intermediate blends by passing a law mandating use of 20% ethanol in the state's gasoline by 2013 (if certain conditions are met—see Ethanol Blend Mandate under Minnesota Incentives and Laws). The State of Minnesota and the Renewable Fuels Association are sponsoring research on E20 in support of the mandate. Their research areas include automotive exhaust and evaporative emissions, materials compatibility, driveability, and air-quality effects. Preliminary research results suggest that E20 presents no immediate problems for current automotive or fuel dispensing equipment (which is listed for E10 use only by Underwriters Laboratories) and that vehicles fueled with E20 operate with similar power and performance as those fueled with E10. To learn more, see the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Ethanol Web site. This early-stage research is not conclusive; ongoing DOE research will help clarify the effects of E20 use.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is sponsoring related research on the effects of intermediate blends on small engines. For an overview of Minnesota-related research, see the MCGA article Minnesota Moves Ahead with High-Octane Approach to E20 Investigation.

The Australian government has sponsored research on intermediate ethanol blends in automotive and small-engine applications. Find the reports on the Department of the Environment and Water Resources Fuel Quality Publications page.

AllSAFE advocates thorough research on ethanol-blended fuels. AllSAFE represents industries related to recreational boats, marine engines, chainsaws, lawnmowers, motor vehicles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and generators. The Technical Paper on the Introduction of Greater than E10-Gasoline Blends (PDF 75 KB) summarizes AllSAFE's concerns about using intermediate ethanol blends. Download Adobe Reader. The National Marine Manufacturers Association, a member of AllSAFE, hosts a small library of documents related to ethanol blends.