Currently North America imports more than half of its oil, and the consumption of this disappearing resource continues to increase daily. With the recent increase in gas prices, drivers have become much more conscious about fuel usage and have begun to explore alternative fuel options. Most of us have heard of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as bio-diesel alternatives, but it is only recently that more information about E85, as a fuel alternative has made news in the mainstream media. What is E85? E85 is the common name used for fuel that is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The ethanol is this fuel can be produced from organic material that includes sugar, such as grains like corn and wheat. E85, in many respects, is superior to regular gasoline, as it burn much cleaner, is completely renewable, much more environmentally friendly and is produced domestically. It aids in pollution reduction as it produces lower harmful emissions than gasoline vehicles. It also reduces the output of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions that currently increasing the effects of global warming. E85 Vehicles By 2002, Canada already had 5 ethanol fuel producing plants, in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Several other plants are emerging, and Canada’s production is slowly increasing. Car manufacturers have for the past few years created vehicles that are E85 compatible, and not all are the newest models. It is possible to get a used car that is E85 compatible. To find out of your vehicle is E85 compatible or to find a vehicle that is, go to the 2006 E85 Vehicle Purchasing Guide. For more information about retail E85 pumps in Canada, and how E85 works, look at Ethanol The Road to a Greener Future, a government of Canada article, that is imformative of the use of E85 in Canada.
Not ready for an E85 vehicle? Try some of these fuel saving tips in the article 11 Ways to Save at the Gas Pump This Summer, found at ConsumerAutoDigest.com |
