Limited production of 100 percent ethanol vehicles is being offered in some Canadian and South American markets. For several years Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan have mandated a 10 percent ethanol to 90 percent gasoline mix for fuels used in state-owned vehicles. These blends extend gasoline fuel stocks, reduce air pollution, and support the agricultural community. Federal subsidies have brought production costs of this antiknock additive into close competition to the cost of producing other antiknock additives. Initial changeover from gasoline to ethanol could present some problems in the distribution system.
Ethanol is a detergent and has the ability to absorb water.
Accumulated sediment and water sludge in storage tanks, pipelines, and in the vehicle fuel tanks could clog filters and create other operational problems. These systems must be scrubbed clean and prepared prior to the introduction of ethanol fuels. Ethanol, in a highly concentrated state, can be corrosive to some automotive metals, rubber, and plastic components. Since the mid 1980's, most manufacturers have redesigned their fuel systems to accommodate ethanol in a dilute mixture. Owner's manuals describe acceptable ethanol concentration levels.