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University of Minnesota studying the driveability of vehicles using experimental E20
Contacts: Mary Sienko, Parking and Transportation, (612) 626-5828 Patty Mattern, University News Services, (612) 624-2801 MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 11/3/2006 ) -- The University of Minnesota is in the early stages of a 14-month-long study of E20, an experimental biofuel that contains 20 percent ethanol. By August 2013, state law will require all gasoline sold in Minnesota to contain 20 percent alcohol by volume. Minnesota has required 10 percent ethanol in gasoline since 1997. In order for this requirement to take effect, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must certify E20 as a motor fuel through a waiver under the Clean Air Act. The state of Minnesota has contracted with the U of M to conduct a year-long drivability evaluation as the state aims to increase the use of alternative fuels in the state. The Council of Great Lakes Governors has supplied additional funding in support of the project. Results of the study will help the state pursue the EPA waiver. "The university is pleased to take part in this testing phase. It's a good fit for us because we have a wide variety of vehicles and varied driving patterns," said Bill Roberts, associate director of Parking and Transportation Services. "The University of Minnesota has been a leader in trying alternative fuels buying its first E85 vehicle in 1995 and buying three vehicles running on compressed natural gas a year later." Eighty vehicles out of the university's fleet of 525 on the Twin Cities campus have been chosen for this test. As a control group, 40 of the vehicles have been running on a base fuel containing no ethanol. The other 40 are running on E20 fuel. The 40 pairs represent a cross section of vehicles with a variety of manufacturers and engine sizes, including hybrid vehicles, Roberts said. Drivers regularly complete surveys measuring vehicle performance and driver experience. The university handles all vehicle maintenance at the Fleet Services Building. Mechanics have been monitoring mechanical problems and recording any drivability issues. Drivability issues include things such as non-starting, poor starting, the check engine light coming on and hesitation while accelerating or driving at a fixed speed. During the first three months, no drivability issues have been noted. The upcoming cold weather and a change in fuel blends for fall and spring may impact subsequent findings. The University of Minnesota has a fleet size of approximately 850 vehicles - mostly cars, vans, trucks and SUVs - including 15 hybrids and 70 vehicles that run on E85 with an additional 13 hybrid vehicles on order. Each year, university vehicles travel nearly 6.5 million miles. Along with its rental and lease services, the Fleet Services conducts driver training programs for the university and maintains a full-service shop on campus. Fleet Services is also charged with fulfilling federal mandates concerning commercial vehicle and driver regulations, and Clean Air Act regulations pertaining to alternatively fueled vehicles. ---------- |
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