Ethanol, hybrid & Bio-diesel

[big_g]

Anyone here drive either a hybrid car or a car powered by ethanol or bio-diesel?

 

I have to do a work presentation regarding the pros and cons of the above car types when compared with the usual petrol and diesel engines.

 

I have looked at lots of the theory, I just need the hard facts now.

 

I know that Ford now sell cars with pipework designed for ethanol. But, where can you buy 85% ethanol from in Sheffield? I’ve done a Google but drew a blank.

 

Are hybrid cars as economical as the manufacturers would lead us to believe? Which? magazine did a study a while back and I seem to remember that their results weren’t that complimentary.

 

Can you buy a new car and stick higher than 5% bio-diesel in it without invalidating the warranty?

 

Any information would be greatly received.

 

Many thanks

 

G

[upinwath]

Skoda 1.9 d using 30/70 veg oil/derv mix

 

So far so good.

[phawley]

I'm using about 50/50 veg/diesel in my Hilux Surf with no problems (apart from the smell)

And yes I am registered with the Customs and Excise.

[medusa]

Up to a couple of years ago, there were no vehicle makers who were prepared to honour warranties on vehicles which had been run on more than 5% biodiesel (this includes truck makers as well as cars). Hopefully things will have changed by now- but if a major rethink hasn't happened then I think you'll find that it invalidates all warranties.

[TeaFan]

Apparently, for biodiesel to be "green" it needs to be from waste veg. oil. If crops are sown, grown, and harvested specifically for biodiesel, this generates so much carbon (tractors, combines etc) that it outweighs any advantage.

[Strix]

we have a bio-diesel thread somewhere

 

you could pm the people who contributed to it

[big_g]

Thanks for the answers so far.

 

Did a thorough search on ethanol (E85). Apparently, there are virtually no suppliers of the stuff in the UK – please can someone prove me wrong on this. So, even though Ford do an ethanol powered car (and soon Toyota), it is not possible to put ethanol in it – so you have to use unleaded instead.

 

The reason for the thread is to get information to put forward a proposal to get some of the sales team at work to produce less CO2. The cars they drive are under warranty (less than 3 years old) and when these come for replacement, we want to see whether there are any proposals that are acceptable.

 

If you look at hybrid figures, it all makes perfect sense (other the initial higher capital outlay). However, independent testing has shown that the government figures are very ambitious for normal driving and that often a small engined diesel will give better economy.

 

Regarding bio-diesel, I know that there have been numerous threads on here about the stuff – I’ve contributed to those threads. I’m even looking into it for my car which is approaching 3 years old. I have not found a supply yet though and don’t want to be making any on the stove in my kitchen.

 

So, it’s the same questions for bio-diesel as for ethanol. Anyone know of a proper supplier of bio-diesel – i.e. a fuel station? Anyone know of a manufacturer who will say that their warranty is valid over 5% strength bio-diesel? Failing that, anyone know of a manufacturer who will supply a dual tank option so that we can use neat rapeseed (or whatever) once the car is warm? Duty WOULD be paid on the veggie oil.

 

I’ve a feeling that my presentation is going to be: “Here is the future”, give some blurb on the theory. And then say “but we can’t have it yet”.

 

Never mind, I’ll keep digging.

 

 

G

[artisan]

The best idea would be Ethanol.

At least if you stranded miles from any where, you could always have a drink to cheer you up.

[big_g]

Found some ethanol E85 suppliers.

 

The nearest is at Swadlincote in Derbyshire. Apparently there are 14 suppliers in the UK - on Morrison's forecourts. Info courtesy of the Saab web site.

 

There are going to be some more refineries opening soon so maybe it may reach Sheffield in the next few years.

 

 

G

[phawley]

Apparently, for biodiesel to be "green" it needs to be from waste veg. oil. If crops are sown, grown, and harvested specifically for biodiesel, this generates so much carbon (tractors, combines etc) that it outweighs any advantage.

 

Not if the tractors/combines are using veg oil !!! :)