How to Use Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel
Most traditional automobile engines can use ethanol/gasoline mixtures up to E15, which is 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. Some states, such as California, already mandate that all gas stations use a small percentage of ethanol in their fuel. Flex fuel vehicles, however, which really are able to maximize the advantages of ethanol as an alternative fuel, run on E85, which is 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent gasoline. In 2008, about 1600 U.S. fueling stations offered E85.
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Instructions
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Get an energy-efficient vehicle. Since most cars can only use a small percentage of ethanol, the best way to use ethanol as an alternative fuel is to get an energy-efficient vehicle that can run on E85. Flex fuel vehicles, as these are called, have been produced since the 1980s and exist in many familiar models. Check the inside of your car's fuel filler door to see if you're driving a flex fuel vehicle already.
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Locate an ethanol station. If you're driving a flex fuel vehicle, you can fill up at any gas station, but only certain stations offer the ethanol-rich E85. Find a location near you in the Resources section below.
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Make your own ethanol. A relatively small number of people will be able to make their own ethanol or purchase a home ethanol system. The E-Fuel 100 MicoFueler makes one gallon of ethanol from about 10 pounds of sugar for roughly the same cost of a commercial gallon of gas.
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Use energy-efficient public transport. Some cities have made a concerted effort to make their public transportation fleets energy efficient and low in emissions. Using these means instead of driving a non flex fuel car, will increase your utilization of ethanol as a gasoline alternative.
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Tips & Warnings
Without a flex fuel vehicle, it's not possible to use highly concentrated ethanol mixtures. If your state mandates ethanol use, chances are you're already pumping and using about as much ethanol as you can use!
