* Flex-fuel vehicles: These cars are designed to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to 85% ethanol (E85). They have special fuel systems and sensors to accommodate the higher ethanol content.
* Standard gasoline engines: Most cars today are designed to run on gasoline with a small amount of ethanol added, usually around 10% (E10). This blend is often mandated by governments for environmental reasons.
* Diesel engines: Diesel engines do not use ethanol as a fuel. They are designed to run on diesel fuel, which is a completely different type of fuel.
* Other fuels: Some engines, like those in older vehicles, may not be designed to run on any ethanol blend at all.
Reasons why some engines use ethanol:
* Renewable resource: Ethanol is produced from corn and other plant materials, making it a renewable fuel source.
* Reduced emissions: Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
* Increased octane: Ethanol blends can increase the octane rating of gasoline, which can improve engine performance.
Reasons why some engines do not use ethanol:
* Compatibility issues: Ethanol can damage certain engine components, especially older vehicles not designed for ethanol blends.
* Fuel efficiency: Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, meaning you get fewer miles per gallon.
* Availability: E85 is not available in all regions.
In summary:
While ethanol is a common fuel additive and is used in some engines, it's not a universal fuel. Its use varies depending on engine design, government regulations, and fuel availability.
