Automakers are concerned that the new E15 ethanol blend fuel will damage car engines. 07/07/2011
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized a rule that allows gas stations to sell E15 fuel, which is a mixture of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol. Two partial waivers had been granted in October 2010 and January 2011 to allow E15 to be used in new cars that were manufactured during or after the 2001 model year.
With the blended fuel about to becoming widely available, many car companies are concerned for the welfare of cars and their warranties, according to The Daily Caller.
"Fuel not approved in the owner's manual is considered misfueling and any damage resulting from misfueling is not covered by the warranty," Group Vice President of Ford Motor Company Susan Cischke, wrote in a letter to Wisconsin Representative Jim Sensenbrenner, the news source reports.
The new rule prohibits the use of fuel that has more than 10 percent ethanol in vehicles that cannot handle higher amounts of the alternative fuel, and a sticker will be required at the pump to alert drivers of the rules. The EPA reports that this includes cars and light trucks made before the model year 2001, motorcycles, off-road equipment and vehicles with heavy-duty engines.