Considering the current oil crisis" or whatever you call it, I remember back in the 70's that Ethanol was tried as an automotive fuel. I remember buying a tank or two back then. But it never took off to my knowledge. Definitely not available around my parts. Does anyone have more info on why it didn't become a tangible fuel commodity? Maybe it is...I just don't have any info on it

I think that ethanol failed, along with every other alternative fuel, becuase its simply more expensive than gasoline. Sometimes these alternative fuels can get subsidized, so that the government pays part of the cost for them and thus the price-at-the-pump is lower, but eventually it catches up with everyone.

Gasoline is a cheap, efficient fuel that is in large supply. Thats why everyone uses it.

Here in Cololrado they sell E85 which is a blend of both. The gov regulates the price so it is roughly the same. You can look at the your car's manuel to see if it is E85 complatible.

There are a few trucks that have an e85 options(about 80% ethanol, 5% natural gas, 15% unleaded), but not many cars. There is a 24 valve taurus that sometimes has a flex fuel option, limited number of 5.3 liter gm engines, and this year the 3.5 l impala and monte carlo are being sold with a flex fuel option.

Biodiesel seems to be taking over in a lot of areas.

[edit on 25-8-2005 by jhh]

Do you use ethanol blended gas (about 10% ethanol) in the US? It's fairly common in my neck of the woods and our government is aiming for 35% of the fuel used to be this ethanol blend. It seems to work fine in most cars.

Yep, a lot of the stations in midwest only offer 10%, it is usually 5 cents cheaper due to tax break.

We get a tiny tax break too. You don't even notice it because our price is in litres.

I suppose it is a good way to help out the wheat farmers.