Corn Powered Vehicles ?
05-04-06, 05:22 PM
#1
Corn Powered Vehicles ?
SEMA eNews, Vol. 9, No 18 – May 3, 2006
MORE CORN-POWERED VEHICLES TO COME
Toyota and DaimlerChrysler are both planning to sell vehicles that run on E85 (a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) or gasoline. Toyota plans to start selling these vehicles, also known as flex-fuel vehicles, beginning in 2008. "We're studying all alternative fuels. We will not be outflanked,” says a spokesperson from Toyota. DaimlerChrysler plans to sell 250,000 E85 capable vehicles and double that by 2008, which will join the 1.5 million DaimlerChrysler vehicles already on the road. For 2007, DaimlerChrysler plans to sell the following vehicles with E85 capability:
Jeep Commander 4.7L
Jeep Cherokee 4.7L
Chrysler Sebring Sedan 2.7L
Dodge Dakota 4.7L
Dodge Durango 4.7L
Dodge Ram 4.7L
Dodge Caravan 3.3L
Grand Caravan 3.3L
Chrysler Town and Country 3.3L
DaimlerChrysler vehicles use sensors to determine the exact content of the fuel—E85, pure gasoline, etc.—and send that information to the engine’s computer in order for the engine to operate at optimum efficiency.
Previously, carmakers expressed worry that ethanol would corrode rubber engine seals, but the new E85 capable vehicles will be fitted with anti-corrosive parts to meet U.S. regulations. President Bush supports the use of E85 and plans to subsidize the cost of using ethanol. Carmakers are also in favor of using E85 as a low cost method to gaining “green credentials.” Currently, 1.5 million vehicles in the United States have the capability of running on E85, but only 700 of the 165,000 gas stations across the United States actually carry E85.
Sources: “Toyota embraces ethanol technology for U.S. push,” Financial Times, April 18, 2006/www.automotivedigest.com, “DaimlerChrysler plans to sell 500,000 flex-fuel vehicles by 2008,” Automotive Body Repair News
THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…
More consumers may buy larger vehicles that have the capability of running on E85 if gas prices continue to remain high.
Since E85 is corrosive to engine seals, fuel pumps and hoses, specialty-equipment manufacturers may have to design anticorrosive parts that can be used on E85 capable vehicles.
The "THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…" section in the article above contains insight written by SEMA staff. E-mail feedback to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org if you would like to comment on this article.
For more information on E85 and its role in the U.S. auto industry, read "Getting in the Spirit or Not" in the May issue of SEMA News. Read the article online at www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=54982. For a free subscription to SEMA News, visit www.semanews.com.
MORE CORN-POWERED VEHICLES TO COME
Toyota and DaimlerChrysler are both planning to sell vehicles that run on E85 (a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) or gasoline. Toyota plans to start selling these vehicles, also known as flex-fuel vehicles, beginning in 2008. "We're studying all alternative fuels. We will not be outflanked,” says a spokesperson from Toyota. DaimlerChrysler plans to sell 250,000 E85 capable vehicles and double that by 2008, which will join the 1.5 million DaimlerChrysler vehicles already on the road. For 2007, DaimlerChrysler plans to sell the following vehicles with E85 capability:
Jeep Commander 4.7L
Jeep Cherokee 4.7L
Chrysler Sebring Sedan 2.7L
Dodge Dakota 4.7L
Dodge Durango 4.7L
Dodge Ram 4.7L
Dodge Caravan 3.3L
Grand Caravan 3.3L
Chrysler Town and Country 3.3L
DaimlerChrysler vehicles use sensors to determine the exact content of the fuel—E85, pure gasoline, etc.—and send that information to the engine’s computer in order for the engine to operate at optimum efficiency.
Previously, carmakers expressed worry that ethanol would corrode rubber engine seals, but the new E85 capable vehicles will be fitted with anti-corrosive parts to meet U.S. regulations. President Bush supports the use of E85 and plans to subsidize the cost of using ethanol. Carmakers are also in favor of using E85 as a low cost method to gaining “green credentials.” Currently, 1.5 million vehicles in the United States have the capability of running on E85, but only 700 of the 165,000 gas stations across the United States actually carry E85.
Sources: “Toyota embraces ethanol technology for U.S. push,” Financial Times, April 18, 2006/www.automotivedigest.com, “DaimlerChrysler plans to sell 500,000 flex-fuel vehicles by 2008,” Automotive Body Repair News
THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…
More consumers may buy larger vehicles that have the capability of running on E85 if gas prices continue to remain high.
Since E85 is corrosive to engine seals, fuel pumps and hoses, specialty-equipment manufacturers may have to design anticorrosive parts that can be used on E85 capable vehicles.
The "THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…" section in the article above contains insight written by SEMA staff. E-mail feedback to Ty Michael at tym@sema.org if you would like to comment on this article.
For more information on E85 and its role in the U.S. auto industry, read "Getting in the Spirit or Not" in the May issue of SEMA News. Read the article online at www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=54982. For a free subscription to SEMA News, visit www.semanews.com.
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