Posted: 8/4/06
Minnesota offered as proving grounds for converter kits to allow regular vehicles to burn E-85
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has offered to federal officials Minnesota as a proving grounds for converter kits that allow regular vehicles to burn E-85 gasoline.
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) at Mankato State University at the governorís request will begin studying converter kits ó currently not allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ó to check their effectiveness.
Dr. Bruce Jones, CAR director, indicated that a finding should be made by October.
Itís illegal to modify a car engine as to increase its emissions, Jones explained.
At least one converter manufacturer argues its product is legal because it does not increase emissions.
Right now, only flexible fuel vehicles can burn E-85, a fuel 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
But Pawlenty argued that weaning America from foreign oil is a national defense issue.
ìSo we need to get more supply (of alternative fuels) to the marketplace,î said Pawlenty at a Capitol press conference on Friday (Aug. 4).
Jones is ordering a converter kit ó Pawlenty quipped that heíd buy it ó and assume the kits allow more fuel to reach the engine.
Provides less energy
Because E-85 provides less energy than regular gasoline, engines require more of it, he explained.
Depending on the make of their car, drivers shifting to E-85 could see a 12 percent to 20 percent loss in fuel economy, Jones explained.
But Pawlenty noted E-85 tends to be cheaper than regular gas, burns cleaner, and reduces dependence on foreign oil.
Converter kits cost between $700 to $1500, said Jones.
Currently, Minnesotans drive some 140,000 flexible fuel vehicles and the state contains one-half of all E-85 pumps in the country ó 260, noted Pawlenty.
In a letter to EPA officials, Pawlenty argued that the relatively small number of flex-fuel vehicle models available is hindering E-85 infrastructure development.
Pawlenty explained that converter kits are commonly used in other countries such as in Brazil.
Capitol Roundup
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