Research Suggests Doubling Ethanol Blend in Gasoline

Researchers in Minnesota believe we all need to consume more alcohol — in our automobiles, that is.

But domestic automakers say ethanol needs to be taken in moderation or it can do serious damage.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty released a report this week produced by researchers at its two largest research universities that suggested doubling the amount of ethanol contained in most automobile fuels.

Increasing the ethanol blend in gasoline from its current 10 percent to 20 percent "does not present problems for current automotive or fuel dispensing equipment," according to a summary of the study’s findings.

The study tested 40 pairs of vehicles, half of which were powered with fuel containing 20 percent ethanol, and compared performance and damage, finding little difference between the two fuels. Part of the study was funded by the Renewable Fuels Association, an advocacy organization for the ethanol industry.

Most gasoline available at pumps contains about 10 percent ethanol, which takes the place of petroleum-based gasoline and allows the nation to import less foreign oil.

A number of automakers have begun outfitting their vehicles to allow them to burn fuel made with 85 percent ethanol, called E85.

Ethanol — derived from items like corn, soybeans, or switchgrass — burns hotter than gasoline, but decreases fuel economy. It is also far more corrosive to store than gasoline, and there is a debate about its environmental impact and whether its true production costs are factored into its overall price.

Matt Hartwig, a spokesman for the Renewable Fuels Association, said the Minnesota study found no obstacles to testing higher use of ethanol in regular gas.

Domestic automakers, however, aren’t convinced.

"It didn’t appear to us to be a comprehensive-enough study for us to make a determination on," said Max Gates, an environmental spokesman for Chrysler LLC, who added that further testing is needed. "The issue is, we don’t know whether ethanol in concentrations above 10 percent is going to have a corrosive effect on our vehicles."