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Biofuels such as ethanol are fuels of the future as they are produced from renewable sources and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Caltex Australia spokesman Frank Topham says.
Major fuel retailer Caltex will have more than 100 service stations across the nation selling fuel with up to 85 per cent vegetable-based ethanol by next year.
Eleven sites in Melbourne will kick off the new fuel stream this month. Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra will be added by the end of October, making a total of 30, before greater expansion of the network into next year. Caltex Australia says it will call its new product Bio E-Flex, having up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, also known as E85.
This confirms beliefs that the coming new Holden Commodore VE Series II will have some engines able to run on E85. "Biofuels such as ethanol are fuels of the future as they are produced from renewable sources and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Caltex Australia spokesman Frank Topham says.
About 400 Caltex outlets in the eastern states already offer E10 fuel (10 per cent ethanol) and will continue to do so. Other fuel companies also offer E10. Many modern cars can run on E10. Caltex says sites that will have E85 also will have the normal range of petrol and LPG.
Caltex claims its Bio E-Flex will have an octane rating of up to 105 RON. This is a higher "energy" level than even 98RON premium unleaded. The coming new Commodore E85 engine has been engineered to accept any ethanol blend up to 85 per cent.
But not all existing cars can run on E85 with assured no trouble with engine and fuel line components. It is recommended motorists check with their car manufacturer.
