Clarify Ethanol Terms
The American Coalition for Ethanol is trying to clear up some confusion in the minds of the public about the term “ethanol.” According to an organization release, ethanol means different things to different people. Because of the way the terminology is used, two misunderstandings frequently arise: people mistakenly believe it takes a special car to run on ethanol and that ethanol is only available at a few gas stations in the Midwest.
“Every single automobile on the road today is ethanol-capable,” said Brian Jennings, ACE Executive Vice President. “All vehicles can operate on a 10 percent blend of ethanol with gasoline, and Flexible Fuel Vehicles can use E85, an alternative fuel containing 85 percent ethanol.”
Ron Lamberty, ACE Vice President / Market Development, added that ethanol is much more widespread than many people realize: “Ethanol-blended fuel is available at thousands and thousands of America’s gas stations, literally from coast to coast. E85, the alternative fuel that is 85 percent ethanol, is available at a smaller number of stations and that figure is growing very quickly.”
ACE also has a page on it’s website providing information about cellulosic ethanol for the public.
1 Comment
Gary Dikkers
Cindy,
I’m all for clearing up the terminology. As Confucius once said, “The beginning of wisdom is calling things their proper names.”
To start with they should scrap using the word ethanol without adding a modifier explaining where that ethanol came from. Example: Ethanol made from corn should be called corn-based ethanol.
The reason is exactly as Brian Jennings said, “Ethanol means different things to different people.” and customers may feel differently about ethanol depending on from what that ethanol was made.
A savvy and enlightened fuel customer might disdain using corn-based ethanol knowing its production depends on consuming imported fossil fuels and is supported by mandates and tariffs, while feeling more disposed to using a biomass ethanol made from environmentally friendlier domestic crops such as switchgrass or energy cane.
Cordially,
Gary Dikkers
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