Quote:
Originally Posted by Beyu
Can you guys in the states even find non ethanol gas anymore? It's pretty much impossible to find stations without a "up to 10% ethanol" sticker on the pumps.
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Don't be surprised to see those stickers being quietly replaced with ones that say: "Contains up to 15% ethanol" soon. On Oct. 13, 2010 the EPA caved in to lobbing pressure from a major US ethanol lobbying group "Growth Energy" to allow all pump gasoline to be diluted by up to 15% with ethanol. This was passed quickly, with little debate even though there was strong opposition from the auto industry. The auto industry has warned that a 15% blend may cause problems with fuel system components for any vehicle built before 2001, and should never be used for industrial and small engine applications.
FYI - The actual amount of energy you purchase in a gallon of fuel:
Diesel: 130,000 Btu/gal
Gasoline: 115,000 Btu/gal.
Gasoline/ethanol(10%) blend: 111,070 Btu/gal.
Gasoline/ethanol (15%) blend: 109,105 Btu/gal.
Current (Gasoline/ 10% ethanol) blends typically yield a 4 to 5% reduction in gas mileage compared to pure gasoline. The new “ 15% blend” will reduce mileage by approximately 6% minimum.
The major contributor to the “Growth Energy” lobby is Archer Daniels Midland Co. The day after the ethanol regulations were changed to 15% ADM stock rose 2%. Coincidentally, exactly the same percentage that the new (15%) blend will cost consumers in the U.S. because of the reduced gas mileage they will be seeing.