Getting the answers on ethanol

Holden today announced the launch of ethanolanswers.com.au, a new website to help answer motorists’ questions about ethanol and the ethanol-based alternative fuel, E85.

The launch of the site followed on from the recent release of the Holden Commodore VE Series II range, which includes flex-fuel models capable of running on unleaded, E10 or premium, as well as E85 – an alternative fuel that contains up to 85 per cent ethanol mixed with petrol.

In addition, Caltex has begun selling E85 under the brand name Bio E-Flex at selected metropolitan service stations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Holden’s Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said ethanolanswers.com.au had been developed to answer questions and provide information about ethanol and its use in E85, in a format that was easy to understand and user friendly.

“The availability of this new fuel – and cars that run on it – is incredibly exciting, however, we understand that motorists will have questions about the production of ethanol fuels such as Caltex Bio E-Flex, its use and its impact on their cars,” Mr Marshall said.

“We hope this site will provide people with easy access to information about ethanol and E85, as well as addressing some of the common misconceptions people may have about the fuel.”

Five facts about ethanol and E85

• Caltex has begun selling E85 under the brand name Bio E-Flex. This alternative fuel contains up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol
• Holden recently launched Commodore VE Series II. Flex-fuel vehicles in the range are capable of running on E85, as well as unleaded, E10 and premium
• In Australia, ethanol is made from renewable sources such as sorghum grown for ethanol manufacture and stock feed, as well as by-products from the processing of wheat and sugar
• Holden estimates that using high ethanol blend fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 per cent compared to petrol[1]

Holden and Caltex have contributed to a study looking at the feasibility of establishing a plant capable of turning materials such as household rubbish into ethanol

[1] CO2 reduction is calculated on a ‘well to wheel’ basis – including all CO2 emitted from growing the crops or extracting the crude, refining the fuel, transporting it to market and powering the vehicle