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Ford Announces Biodiesel Compatible Engine
Ford Motor Company has announced the development of a new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine compatible with biodiesel up to B20 for its 2011 F-Series Super Duty diesel pickups that is expected to deliver significant improvement in torque, horsepower and fuel economy.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in product safety testing services, recently announced a new certification path for fuel dispensers for midlevel ethanol blends up to E25.

Resources: Industry Glossary




E85

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E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, can be used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are specially designed to run on gasoline, E85, or any mixture of the two. FFVs are offered by several vehicle manufacturers. To determine if your vehicle can use E85, consult your owner's manual or check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker.

Cost. Cost varies regionally. It is cheaper than gasoline in some areas, such as the Midwest, and more expensive in others.

Availability. Several hundred filling stations in the U.S. sell E85, and that number is increasing rapidly. Visit the Alternative Fuel Station Locator for locations of service stations selling E85.

Performance. No noticeable difference in vehicle performance when E85 is used.

MPG. FFVs operating on E85 usually experience a 20-30% drop in miles per gallon due to ethanol's lower energy content.

Advantages & Disadvantages of E85

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • Domestically produced, reducing use of imported petroleum
  • Lower emissions of air pollutants
  • More resistant to engine knock
  • Added vehicle cost is very small
  • Can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles
  • Lower energy content, resulting in fewer miles per gallon
  • Limited availability
  • Currently expensive to produce