Secretary Chu Pushes for FFVs
According to the Governors Biofuels Coalition, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in Des Moines the nation’s car manufacturers ought to make all new automobiles able to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. But Chu said the government could face resistance should it insist on the new standard, despite two of the nation’s three main automakers’ having recently filed for bankruptcy protection.
Chu, in Iowa awarding the state a share of its federal stimulus money, later said all pumps ought to offer at least a blend of 15 percent ethanol. “We should think about doing the following. I’ve been told it costs about $100 in gaskets and fuel lines to turn a car so that it can go all the way to E85,” Chu said, addressing public officials and news media at the Des Moines Botanical Center. “But a new car , it would only cost $100 out of $15,000. Wouldn’t it be nice to put in those fuel lines and gaskets so that we can use any ratio we wanted,” Chu added. “It’s just a thought, I don’t think you’re going to get any objections in this audience.”
Chu stopped short of saying the Obama administration would require the companies to build all vehicles as flex-fuel-ready. “It’s beginning to be discussed,” Chu said. “But, again, it’s one of those things where I think with virtually anything, once the government steps in the natural tendency is to resist government intervention.”
There is legislation pending in Congress that would require all domestic automobiles to eventually make all vehicles capable of running on E85.
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Chip Daigle
I cannot believe that the Energy Secretary would be so stupid as to suggest that you can make a E85 FFV by simply changing the fuel lines and gaskets for a mere $100. How could he possible forget the chip that samples the octane rating of the fuel and adjust the timing of the carburetor to account for the Ethanol to Gasoline ratio? This clearly shows the stupid Obamanistas are not up to the job and should be run out of office quickly before they kill the Auto Industry completely. Sec. Chu should be fired in the meantime before he can do further harm like making all gasoline E15 without modifying all vehicles to be able to use it.
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Dick Lee
Many of those with the strongest viewpoints seem to have the most superficial understanding of all the different aspects and mechanics of using ethanol and it’s many benefits, not the least of which is it’s lack of toxicity and pollution. All IC engines are easily convertible, in fact the origninal IC engines were designed to run on alchol until the oil interests interceded. Since it is a high octane high performance fuel, that with it’s better torque characteristics can give better in city mpg. performance, the engines can best utilize this fuel not only with the increased jetting and ignition advance, but also with higher compression. This is most easily done on turbocharged engines where, with proper programing and sensors, the turbo wastegates can be held closed longer for higher power demands (full pedal) creating more power for safe passing with a small high mpg. engine. Ethanol is of course not to be confused with more corrosive and toxic Methanol often used in Race cars. (Indy cars now use Ethanol, per my suggestion.)
For the best information get a copy of David Blume’s “Alcohol Can Be A Gas”.
C. Williams
Chip, it was the auto manufacturers themselves that gave the number several years ago. I believe it was Ford and I believe the number then was $150. And carburetors???? You should be ridiculed for making such an antiquated reference. Harm by going to E15? Autos built after the MTBE/Ethanol oxygenation mandate(long, long ago) can handle significantly higher ratios of ethanol. I have personally run E40 in my 1992 non-flex for years. But you’re right, the computer is likely the most limiting factor, but hey, just REPROGRAM it!!! It’s not like changing the fuel schedule on a chip is going to make it more expensive. You, sir, have much to learn.
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