E10 Beauty or Beast
The introduction of biofuels – that is, fuels that have a biological component such as plant matter or animal fats – has attracted a significant degree of controversy in the short time they have been available.
While the use of fuels such as ethanol has been applauded by environmentalists, there have also been concerns about potential negative effects stemming from the use of biofuels in certain vehicles.
Given the speculation about the benefits and drawbacks of biofuels, it’s worthwhile taking a look at their pros and cons, their impact on the vehicles in which they are used and their environmental benefits before making a decision to use this new fuel source.
Ethanol is plant-based, made from fermented sugar cane or wheat, which, unlike oil, are renewable energy sources. Fuel that includes ethanol is often marketed under the name E10, which refers to a type of petrol that comprises 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent standard unleaded.
Ethanol was invented for its environmental benefits, although there is some debate over whether the use of biofuels produces fewer emissions than regular fuel.
Some argue the carbon dioxide produced when ethanol is burnt is offset by the carbon dioxide consumed by the plants that go into its makeup, thus making it superior from an environmental perspective to regular fuel. Others argue any benefit is cancelled by the carbon dioxide produced turning the plant matter into a useable fuel.
One benefit, however, is that E10 reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as oil. It’s also generally cheaper than regular fuel: Frank Topham, a spokesman for Caltex, was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald that E10 sells for 2.5 cents a litre less than standard unleaded fuel.
But aside from these benefits, there are doubts over the compatibility of E10 with many vehicles. In February 2007, Malcolm Turnbull MP, the then Minister for Environment and Water Resources, publicly released a report titled the Assessment of the Operation of Vehicles in the Australian Fleet on Ethanol Blend Fuels. The report, which followed extensive testing of E10 on Australian vehicles, gives a thorough assessment of the suitability of E10 for Australian vehicles.
Vehicles were measured on performance/ driveability, materials compatibility and durability. Vehicles whose manufacturers had stipulated their vehicle was suitable for E10 were not tested.
The report concludes that ethanol-blended fuels “are not compatible with carburettor vehicles.” It notes the vast majority of vehicles built before 1986 are carburettor vehicles, which means cars made before 1986 should not, in general, use E10. Carburettor vehicles also include some popular small cars built until 1994, as well as some medium sized cars built until the late 1980s, and some 4WDs and light commercial vehicles built until 2003.
The report also points to compatibility issues with fuel-injected vehicles. It notes that “the fuel injected vehicles tested on E10 had either unsatisfactory or doubtful aspects in terms of materials compatibility. More than half the fuel-injected vehicles tested also had doubtful aspects with regard to durability.”
Of all cars tested, those with the least compatibility issues with E10 were the Hyundai Excel and the Nissan Pulsar.
“The message is clear,” says Andy Mulcaster, CEO, sgfleet. “Ensure your vehicle is compatible with E10 before filling up.”
Click here to download the full report on the Assessment of the Operation of Vehicles in the Australian Fleet on Ethanol Blend Fuels.
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