Ethanol
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Ethanol
Using ethanol as an alternative energy source is popular with a lot of people, and not only those who are interested in finding an eco friendly biofuel. Unlike oil based gasoline, the gasoline made from crops like corn are less expensive to produce and is becoming a popular choice for companies who are looking to cut fuel costs for their vehicles. There are different types of ethanol, and not all vehicles can burn it. It's not readily available in all areas, either, so this will be an important factor that you have to research before any decisions are made about using the alternative fuel.
Vehicle maintenance for cars and trucks that are using grain alcohol to run can also be an issue. There are special training courses available to educate service people and mechanics on vehicles that but biofuels and you may want to make sure that someone with this specialized training is available to service you high cost equipment.
A business to business website can help you find answers to all of your alternative energy questions. You can compare prices, locations and even the different mixtures of the biofuels before you make any decisions about changing your fleet. Sites like Business.com can provide links that are targeted to the specific parameters of your search to make finding the exact information that you need easier.
Ethanol
Use ethanol gas to save money in your businessBy Theresa Halvorsen Ethanol is a new type of fuel for cars. Unlike gasoline that relies on oil, ethanol producers make ethanol gasoline locally from crops like corn. You may also have it heard it called grain alcohol. Ethanol is cheaper to produce than gasoline and is more environmentally friendly both when produced and when burned.
Ethanol fuel is becoming a popular choice for businesses that need fuel for cars and trucks, since it’s more economical and environmentally friendly. If you’re thinking about using ethanol in your business, consider this:
1. Learn about the different types of ethanol and which one is appropriate for your business.
2. Purchase vehicles that can use ethanol.
3. Find ethanol stations in your area.
Obtain valuable information about ethanol production
There are many types of ethanol. E10 is easy to find is safe for all vehicles. E10 ethanol is a 10% mixture of ethanol and a 90% mixture of gasoline. E85 ethanol is the environmentally friendly, cheaper ethanol that you're probably looking for. E85 ethanol is a mixture of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol. You must have a special vehicle for E85 ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is a specific way of making ethanol from cellulose in plants.
Try: Go to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) website for more information about cellulosic ethanol. If you’re curious about ethanol production and how an ethanol plant runs, go the American Coalition for Ethanol.
Find a car that runs on ethanol
E85 requires a special car, called a flexible fuel vehicle, to effectively run the vehicle's motor. Luckily, more and more car manufactures are building flex fuel vehicles.
Try: Ford Motor Company has flexible fuel vehicles and is continuing to work to build models that use ethanol. You can also go to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition for a list of cars compatible with E85.
Find ethanol pumping stations
Once you have a car that runs on ethanol, you have to find ethanol vendors in your area. While E10 fuel is fairly standard in gas stations across the nation, finding E85 is harder. Luckily, as the demand for ethanol increases, more and more vendors will sell it.
Try: Go the U.S. Department of Energy to find a ethanol vendor that sells ethanol in your area. Can’t find a station in your area? You can request a service station to start offering E85 in your area at the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition.
- As the cost of gasoline continues to rise, there will be more and more interest in alternative fuel sources like ethanol. While ethanol is popular choice, we're still learning about how to use ethanol cheaply, without impacting the environment.
E85 stations in the LA area. See our map for a station near you!
Modular Ethanol Production System 500,000 to 10,000,000 gallons/year!
The Daily Biofuels News Digest the FREE 4 min. biofuels must-read
Get to know ethanol by taking a virtual drive down Ethanol Lane.

