85% Ethanol - An Alternative Fuel Concept For the Future

Minnesota is a leading state in the use of ethanol blended gasoline. Ethanol became a popular additive to boost the octane level of gasoline when environmental concerns resulted in the phase-out of leaded gasoline. Ethanol is an oxygenate, meaning it has a high oxygen content, burns more completely and reduces talepipe emissions up to 25%.   More than 55% of the gasoline sold in Minnesota contains 10 percent ethanol.

The State of Minnesota has introduced one of the nation's largest variable fuel fleets. These vehicles are capable of operating on E-85 or a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. The 200 proof ethanol is made from Minnesota corn. The small percentage of gasoline denatures the ethanol and enhances starting in extremely cold weather.

The driving force for this blossoming automotive fuel technology is society's multiple concerns of increasing air pollution from fossil fuels like gasoline, our dependence on foreign suppliers for half our fuel needs, and the dim prospects for gasoline in the future as the world's oil supply dwindles.

The Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council brought the first E-85 car to Minnesota in order to introduce the technology to the public. Governor Arnie Carlson and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Agriculture, Public Service Administration and the State Fire Marshall introduced the state's first fleet shortly after. This fleet of 30 Chevrolet Luminas was introduced in 1993. They are virtually identical to regular gasoline vehicles except for some variable fuel features. The Luminas come equipped with a Chevrolet 3.1 liter V6 with automatic overdrive transmissions.

The E-85 Luminas have been designed for versatility. They will operate with unleaded gasoline or any mixture of gasoline and ethanol up to an 85 percent concentration. A key component is a sensor which determines the percentage of ethanol in the fuel, optimizes performance and adjusts emission control devices.

- Fueling the Economy -

Ethanol is a home-grown fuel that can help us become independent from imported oil and help our balance of trade. Ethanol is made from corn, a renewable resource and a crop grown in abundance in Minnesota.

Minnesota produces about 41.5 million gallons of ethanol annually, making it the 7th largest ethanol producer in the nation. This burgeoning industry uses 16 million bushels of corn each year, or about 5% of the Minnesota corn crop. Farmers benefit because ethanol production provides consistent demand for surplus corn and improves corn prices.

The general economy benefits because the industry creates over 300 new industrial jobs, as well as, many indirect jobs in related industry and services.

- Ethanol Production -

Each bushel of corn can produce 2.5 gallons of ethanol fuel. Only the starch from the corn is used to make ethanol, leaving the protein and valuable co-products for other uses. For example, that same bushel of corn can also produce: 1.5 pounds of corn oil, 12.4 pounds of 21% protein feed, 3 pounds of 60% protein gluten meal, and 17 pounds of carbon dioxide (used for carbonating soft drinks and other beverages).

Manufacturers utilize increasingly sophisticated technology to convert the starch to sugar. This sugar is then fed to yeast which converts the sugar to ethanol.  It has been argued it takes more energy to produce ethanol than is gained in the conversion process.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  On average, there is a 33% net energy gain, or more than 25,000 BTU's.  The industry's best plants produce an 87% net energy gain.

2.5 Gallons of fuel ethanol 12.4 pounds of 21% protein feed 3.0 pounds of 60% gluten meal 1.5 pounds corn oil 17 pounds of carbon dioxide

- The Testing -

The purpose of the formal testing is to help Minnesota evaluate ethanol's role as an alternative fuel for the future. E-85 state vehicles are being put through their paces in various settings including urban, rural, and highway driving. Performance in hot and cold weather conditions and ethanol's ability to reduce polluting emissions is also being evaluated.  Performance, reliability, cost of operations and emissions are all being monitored and each driver is being surveyed on their opinion on the driveability and operation of the cars. To date the cars have received high marks in each category.  Emissions testing on the E-85 vehicles and a control vehicle operating on gasoline are being conducted at various mileage levels.   Early testing shows the E-85 cars performing well, with significant reductions in emissions compared to use of unleaded gasoline.

Reductions in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, two particularly troublesome pollutants, are reduced significantly. Ethanol is one of only two liquid fuels available that combats global warming because its raw material, corn, converts C02 into oxygen.

- Ethanol's Future Role -

Two specific pieces of federal legislation, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandate the phased-in adoption of cleaner burning vehicles. Under these federal laws, state, municipal and private fleets must meet stricter emission guidelines starting in 1998. This will be accomplished by replacing existing fleet vehicles with new "Clean Vehicle" technology like E-85.

By 2000, 70 percent of all new fleet vehicle purchases must meet these new standards. Auto manufacturers are gearing-up to meet these new standards. By 1996, new model cars will have On-Board Diagnostic Monitoring systems capable of monitoring tailpipe emissions and any fluid loss. Advances in computer technology will make this possible. Programs are also in place to update engine technology and cut pollution levels in mass transit city buses and over-the-road trucks. The introduction of E-85 has been a cooperative effort. Some of the key players who have made it possible include: the Minnesota Ethanol Commission, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Service (along with its Weights and Measurements division) current/past legislators, and current/past county governments (especially Past Commissioner of Hennepin County - John Derhus).