On the margins of European negotiations on the regulation of CO emissions₂ new cars by 2035, IFPEN research proves hybrid cars that run on super ethanol E85 at least as good for the climate as 100% electric models.

Indeed, a project by the European Commission and the European Parliament stipulates that all new cars sold by 2035 must emit 0 grams of CO₂ to the exhaust, which in practice corresponds to the ban on thermal vehicles, to give preference only to electric vehicles. This IFPEN study demonstrates thisanother alternative is possible.

E85 plug-in hybrid: a comparative study

This study was conducted by IFPEN’s Department of Economics and Environmental Assessment by measuring and comparing greenhouse gas emissions 3 types of cars C-segment compacts: models with gasoline engines, plug-in hybrids on E85, as well as 100% electric models.

This technique takes into account all greenhouse gas emissions, whether related to vehicles or batteries, from production to recycling, and to energy consumption from production to use. The study also looked at the structure of electricity in France compared to Europe, which is more carbon-intensive: outside of France, hybrid cars running on E85 have a better carbon footprint than electric cars!

[#CP_bioéthanol] A new study@IFPENnovation confirms the essential role of #bioethanol in ↘️ CO2 emissions. 🚘Battery hybrids work #Superethanol #E85 as good for the climate as 100% electric ✅https://t.co/npZFkvW4Tt

— French Community Superethanol-E85 (@SuperethanolE85) September 1, 2022

E85 battery hybrid: more efficient than electric

This comparative study demonstrates in practice that plug-in hybrid vehicles running on superethanol-E85 and 40% of the time circulate in 100% electric mode. at least equally favorable to the climate than 100% electric cars.

Bioethanol produced in Europe is capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 77% and aims to achieve carbon neutrality compared to fossil gasoline. In practice, superethanol-E85 can be made 100% renewable by replacing some of the fossil gasoline in its composition with another renewable fuel, such as synthetic gasoline.

E85 plug-in hybrid: many advantages

The French bioethanol sector recalls in this regard the advantages of a hybrid car that runs on E85: it is more practical when electric charging stations are not available because it allows you to continue driving, its battery is smaller and less polluting in production, and it is cheaper than its 100% electric counterparts .

To date, superethanol-E85 market share has reached almost 7%, compared to 4% in 2021. The bioethanol industry specifies that this fuel can work up to 5 million plug-in hybrid cars by 2040, i.e. up to 20% of the fleet.

Motorists should be able to choose between several solutions, as long as they are also proven to be good for the climate. As of today, this applies to battery hybrids that use #Superethanol #E85. #bioethanolhttps://t.co/7P4eZfIbAE

— French Community Superethanol-E85 (@SuperethanolE85) June 16, 2022