While in the automotive industry bioethanol conversion kits are now quite common, especially with the help of certain communities to equip themselves, for two-wheelers ethanol is absolutely not something democratized.
However, this may change due to the advantages of this energy, especially from a financial point of view. As with cars, filling up with super ethanol for a motorcycle can cost up to 27% less than filling up with unleaded 95 E10. The average price per liter of ethanol is currently €1.07/litre compared to €1.84/litre for SP95 E10.
Saving keys
As you may know, an engine converted to ethanol consumes about 25% more than a gasoline engine, but this excess consumption is largely offset by the difference in price at the pump between the two fuels. Therefore, for a heavy motorcyclist who would ride around 15,000 km per year, this would mean a saving of almost €500 per year.
It remains to be seen whether this will be relevant for a user who will use their bike less often, and it will also all depend on the price of installing the conversion kit.
The government opens the door
Good news for two-wheeler users: The government announced the launch through the voice of Transport Minister Clément Beaune studies on the approval of E85 boxes for installation on motorcycles. A good way is also, apparently, to pass a pill of mandatory technical control to arrive on two-wheelers.
Even beyond the financial aspect, E85 also has other benefits, starting with an average reduction of nearly 50% to 60% in CO emissions.2 and up to 90% less particulate emissions compared to gasoline.
On the other hand, it will also be necessary to adapt to the technical limitations associated with the bicycle. Thus, the boxes will have to be miniaturizedalthough it will also be necessary to ensure that the engine nozzles are capable of passing a flow rate that is 25% higher than normal.
The government clarified that “The publication of the decree on the approval of Superethanol-E85 units in November 2017 allowed more than 200,000 motorists to finally get the opportunity to equip themselves”. It remains to be seen whether the motorcycle world, which is particularly conservative, will be tempted by the appearance of a conversion kit.
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.