15th April, 2003 Decision
at last on ethanol in petrol A DECISION by the Federal
Government to set a ten percent limit on the proportion of ethanol in
petrol and require labelling of petrol at the bowser has been welcomed
by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. The FCAI, which represents Australian carmakers
and importers, says the decision will give reassurance to consumers
worried about excessive ethanol’s long-term effects on their vehicle
engines. “This is a pleasing decision because it is in
line with the automotive industry’s recommendation on the safe level
of ethanol in petrol,” said FCAI chief executive, Peter Sturrock. Last year the FCAI combined with the Australian
Automobile Association and the Australian Institute of Petroleum to
recommend a ten percent ethanol limit to the Federal Government. Those combined bodies warned that any proportion
above ten percent could cause severe operating malfunctions including
loss of driveability, loss of fuel economy and accelerated wear of
engine components and fuel lines. The Federal Government has just received the
initial results of tests suggesting that ethanol to petrol blends of 20
percent are not suitable for a proportion of Australia’s vehicle
fleet. Testing found that 20 percent ethanol could cause
hesitation and problems with starting in very cold conditions and could
cause deterioration of metal, plastic and rubber components in some
older vehicles. “The initial results essentially back what
manufacturers have been saying for some time,” said Mr Sturrock. The FCAI’s members have determined that
existing vehicle warranties can support an ethanol level of up to ten
percent.
|
