Now it’s easier than ever to adopt eco-friendly and “green” driving practices, and save some money while doing it. We are talking about biofuels! Recently, ethanol-powered cars have made an impressive introduction to the automotive market. This is because they are a wonderfully viable and cheaper alternative to gasoline engines and vehicles. Although quite similar to gasoline vehicles, ethanol engines are different in that they are capable of using biofuels. This is what makes them a fantastic option for more environmentally friendly driving and commuting.

Want to make the switch to a flex fuel vehicle or hybrid car? If so, then catching up on some ethanol fuel information is in your best interest. Better prepare yourself for what you can expect from a biofuel-powered vehicle! Read on to learn more about ethyl alcohol fuel and car engines.

ethanol fuel

Ethanol is essentially an alcohol fuel. It is extracted from plants, such as corn and sugar cane, and then refined into alcohol. This alcohol is ethanol fuel! Ethyl alcohol fuels are best known for their high octane and performance levels, higher torque, and improved power; that is why several national racing teams use it for competitions.

It can be used to power ethanol engines, hybrid cars, flex fuel engines, and other vehicles too! It works in the same way as gasoline, injecting fuel directly into the engine. It is cheaper than standard petroleum-based fuels and produces substantially less air pollution than gasoline when burned. There are some drawbacks to ethyl alcohol fuel, such as the fact that it uses slightly less gasoline. But this is combated with cheaper fuel costs!

Ethanol fuel use has risen dramatically up the charts in the last twelve years. Ethanol fuel use in 2001 was recorded to be around 1.7 billion gallons, whereas just a few years ago (2013) it was over 13 billion! Many gas stations now offer ethanol fuel as an option. It’s a wonderful alternative to gasoline because it produces less air pollution and costs less to fill a tank. Although gas mileage isn’t the best, ethyl alcohol fuel is a fantastic start to green awareness and productivity. We should expect many vehicles to run on ethanol-based fuels in the future!

Key differences between ethanol and gasoline:

  • Ethanol comes from corn. The gas comes from fossils.

  • Ethanol is a greener fuel option.

  • Ethanol is water soluble and biodegradable.

  • Ethanol can only be used in specially designed vehicles.