ePure report shows E85 viable replacement for fossil fuels

In Belgium, in the run-up to the European elections in which the environment is a key debating issue, new research points to 100% renewable Superethanol-E85 as a viable replacement for fossil fuels to reduce carbon dioxide emissions produced by transport. While the European Union adopted a regulation in 2023 which would effectively prevent the sale of new cars emitting fossil-based CO2 from the tailpipe as from 2035, against the backdrop of concerns regarding all-electric vehicles, a window of opportunity remains open to define carbon-neutral fuels. The ethanol industry believes the scope of carbon-neutral fuels should include sustainable biofuels, provided it can be demonstrated that these solutions are as climate-friendly as all-electric solutions.

Research conducted by the Systems Simulations, Analyses & Experimentations Department within IFPEN’s Mobility & Systems Division tested three types of 100% renewable Superethanol-E85 mixing bioethanol with three types of renewable fuel, in a flex-fuel commercial vehicle compatible with E85.

These new findings show that, compared to the limits specified in current Euro 6 light passenger and commercial vehicle emissions standard,  Superethanol–E85’s excellent performance was maintained and even improved with the new 100% renewable mixes. The research shows that Superethanol-E85 and these new mixes will meet the requirements of the new Euro 7 vehicle emissions standard, applicable as from late 2026.