Study finds that maintenance, drivability of late-model vehicles not affected by 20 percent ethanol blend in fuel (3/9/2008)

The results of a 13-month study from the University of Minnesota show that E20 -- a blend of fuel containing 80 percent gasoline and 20 percent ethanol -- has no negative impact on the drivability and maintenance of late-model cars and trucks.

The findings come as a response to the state, which has requested a waiver to allow E20 to be used in Minnesota. The more commonly used fuel blend of ethanol and gasoline in the United States -- E10 -- contains 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.

"The study did not reveal any difference that might be associated with the use of E20 on normal on-road vehicles," said David Kittelson, a professor in the department of mechanical engineering and the primary investigator of the study. "This should prove helpful for the state's interest in changing fuel regulations."

The study looked at two main aspects of cars driven with E20 -- drivability and maintenance. Every day for the 13-month duration of the study, university drivers -- maintenance workers, users of the university's fleet of rental cars and police officials -- used one of either 40 cars running on E20 or 40 cars running on E0. Other than the choice of fuel, the cars used were identical. Drivers were then asked to fill out a daily questionnaire to determine drivability and maintenance issues, such as ease in starting the car or occurrence of stalling.

A group of professional drivers also drove nearly two dozen cars running on E20 on a professional driving course, where the cars were submitted to more rigorous driving tests. These tests were conducted a total of four times, one during each season of the year.

Results from both university and professional drivers showed no statistically significant differences between cars running on E20 and ones running on E0. Two maintenance issues found were attributed to random error.

Results of the study will now be presented to the Environmental Protection Agency to officially determine E20's suitability in on-road vehicles. Kittelson says he hopes to next look at the suitability of E20 in smaller engines, such as ones in lawnmowers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

The study was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association. Work was done in collaboration with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. All cars for the study were provided by the University of Minnesota's Fleet Services.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Minnesota

Post Comments: