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Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts?

17 messages,  Last post on Apr 09, 2010 at 10:51 AM

You are in the Ethanol - E85 FlexFuel Forum.

What is this discussion about? Alternative Fuels, Hybrid Cars, Coupe, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [markcincinnati] by fushigi

Aug 23, 2006 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Aug 19, 2006 8:08 am)
It's been discussed in other areas on Edmunds/CarSpace that a diesel/electric hybrid isn't a viable solution as diesel's take too much energy to start and the constant stop/start of the ICE that happens in a hybrid just wouldn't work well or wouldn't be as efficient.

#9 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [fushigi] by markcincinnati

Aug 24, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: fushigi (Aug 23, 2006 3:33 pm)
This seems to contradict what I've read recently. Around the URBAN areas the pure electric motivation has many advantages and one of them is fuel efficiency.
 
Even as one moves into suburban driving, electric motors are less efficient that diesel; and, once you move to higway driving both gasoline and diesel are far more efficient.
 
What are the reasons that would work against diesel electric hybrids.
 
This would seem to me -- in the face of better batteries -- to be an almost ideal solution.
 
As usual, I could be wrong.

#11 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [bemanix88] by djm2

Sep 20, 2006 (3:31 am)

Replying to: bemanix88 (Apr 11, 2006 4:19 pm)
There is a "NEW" automotive fuel on the market that can replace gasoline directly. It is "Butanol", an alcohol compound with four carbon atoms. This could be better than "Ethanol", especially in the boating world, because it does not react with water.

#12 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [djm2] by w9cw

Sep 20, 2006 (4:21 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Sep 20, 2006 3:31 am)
One of the first FFV was the Ford Taurus, certainly not literally a beast by definition.

#14 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [bemanix88] by blkbr0tha

Dec 21, 2007 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: bemanix88 (Apr 11, 2006 4:19 pm)
Easy answer- it is all about $$$$. The auto climate for auto makers is not so good- esp domestics. Why not create your higher end GAS GUZZLING vehicles with hybrid capabilities. It makes the gov- and even those guilty minded SUV TANK owners feel better as well! lol Not to mention- the car mfr are selling their premier stock car at a very inflated rate! I was shocked to see that most of the E85 vehicles were trucks and SUV's as well- but makes perfect $$$ sense for the people that make the cars!!
 
I dont make em- I just drive em

#15 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [bemanix88] by galonga

Apr 08, 2010 (4:10 pm)

Replying to: bemanix88 (Apr 11, 2006 4:19 pm)
Theoretically, since ethanol comes from a plant that absorbed CO2 throughout its life, the fuel that comes from it may be carbon neutral.
 
If thatīs correct that means it doesnīt matter how much you burn: it is still carbon neutral.
 
However, I agree itīs rather stupid to build a hog, when what they should be looking for is really green cars with better engines

#17 of 17 Re: Why are all ethanol cars in the US beasts? [blkbr0tha] by elias

Apr 09, 2010 (10:51 am)

Replying to: blkbr0tha (Dec 21, 2007 12:44 pm)
it's because of CAFE rules which allow the manufacturer to average-in each 10 mpg flex-fuel SUV as if it were a ~30 mpg car.
(the worse the gas-mpg is, the better the CAFE payoff for making it E85-capable. )

Messages Page 2 of 2

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