More Ethanol, Please: E20 Fuel Could Reduce Automobile Emissions
E20 fuel, which blends 20 percent ethanol with gasoline, reduces the tail pipe emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, compared with traditional gasoline or E10 blends, according to a new study in the Journal of Automobile Engineering. In addition, the research found no measurable impact to vehicle drivability or maintenance in conventional internal combustion engines. E20, the study's authors say, could be used to reduce overall vehicle emissions at a time when many states and the U.S. Department of Transportation are considering policies that would increase the ethanol percentage in standard gasoline. The results are also being used by the Environmental Protection Agency to promote the federal Renewable Fuel Standard program. read more