WITH explosive fuel pricesand sale prices for new electric carsusing ethanol attracted more and more French people. This fuel consists of unleaded 95 mixed with 60-85% ethanol. The latter is obtained by fermentation of vegetable raw materials. Because it is a fuel that uses very little fossil fuel, it benefits from favorable taxation in France. Thus, E85 is exchanged at the pump for 70 cents per liter In average ! It also benefits from a free gray card in most departments! We find almost 2,700 superethanol E85 distribution stations (his name on the pump) in France compared to 1,500 LPG stations. There are many advantages over regular gasoline and diesel fuel that may tempt you to take the plunge.

Conversion for gasoline engines

In France, only Ford and Land Rover still offer production models which run on bi-fuel gasoline/ethanol. These “FlexFuel” versions (English translation) were not retained by the French manufacturers. While Renault and Stellantis have already developed these technologies for their emerging markets. The solution in France is that converting your gasoline car to ethanol bi-fuel. This is already one of the prerequisites for this conversion: we are talking only about gasoline engines, E85 is not suitable for diesel engines. Another condition is to have a gasoline engine manufactured after January 1, 2001 (Euro 3 standard). It is recommended not to convert models that have been noted to have reliability issues. 1.2 Puretech Stellantis, 1.2 TCe from Renault example. So what is it and how do you do it?

It is necessary to know some prerequisites

The use of E85 in a thermal machine first requires E85 housing to be installed. This is used to modify data is sent to the computer to adjust the injection system. Ethanol, having a lower calorific value compared to unleaded 95, requires enter more get a perfect air/fuel mixture. Without it, the engine would continue to run as if it were only running on gasoline. This can cause a lean mixture in the engine and damage the mechanical parts. Depending on the nature of the injection (direct or indirect), the standard to which the car meets and, finally, its power, different types of units are offered.

The main manufacturers of equipment represented on the market to offer kits from approximately from 700 to 1600 euros (installation included), depending on the model. For this new carburation to pass MOT, too it is necessary to proceed to changing the gray card. Energy type changed from ES for gasoline to FE for superethanol.