SUPERETHANOL : Pourquoi l'EVITER à tout prix!

Voitures & Ingénierie

27 Jan 202410:36

Summary

TLDRThe video script explores the remarkable surge in sales of superethanol fuel in France from 2022 to 2023, highlighting a 85% increase and the expansion of service stations offering it, reaching 3,600 or nearly 40% of the total. It discusses Ford's significant contribution, selling over 30,000 new vehicles compatible with this fuel, and the consequent 23% rise in the superethanol-powered vehicle fleet. Despite its cost-effectiveness and popularity, the script raises concerns over conversion kits, with sales dropping as garages refuse installation due to reported vehicle malfunctions. It delves into the production of superethanol, its benefits, and potential risks, ultimately suggesting that purchasing vehicles originally designed for E85 might be the most logical choice to avoid possible issues while enjoying the economic benefits of this cheaper fuel alternative.

Takeaways

😀 Superethanol fuel sales in France increased 85% from 2022 to 2023.
😲 The number of gas stations offering superethanol reached 3600 in 2023.
🚗 Ford sold over 30,000 new cars equipped for superethanol in 2023.
⬆️ The number of cars using superethanol on French roads jumped 23%.
💰 Superethanol remains one of the most affordable fuels for drivers.
🔽 Superethanol prices dropped in early 2023, becoming the cheapest fuel option.
❓ Mechanics report more issues after installing superethanol conversion kits.
🤔 Ethanol's moisture absorption can cause corrosion in unmodified engines.
😣 Vehicles may experience hard starting or performance issues on superethanol.
😥 Using superethanol can void a manufacturer's engine warranty.

Q & A

What has been the growth rate of superethanol fuel sales in France over the period 2022-2023?
-Superethanol fuel sales grew by 85% over the period 2022-2023 in France.
What are the main factors driving the popularity of superethanol fuel in France?
-The main factors are the low cost compared to gasoline, the growing number of service stations offering it, and auto manufacturers like Ford selling large numbers of flex-fuel vehicles.
Why are some mechanics reluctant to install superethanol conversion kits now?
-A growing number of motorists are complaining about vehicle malfunctions after conversion, so mechanics are becoming more reluctant to install the conversion kits.
What are the potential issues with using high ethanol blends in non-flex-fuel vehicles?
-Potential issues include corrosion of metal components, premature wear, poor cold starting, reduced performance, check engine lights, clogged filters, and voiding of manufacturer warranties.
How does ethanol's hygroscopic nature impact older vehicles?
-Ethanol absorbs water from the air which can corrode metal components in older vehicles not designed for high ethanol blends.
Does using superethanol void the manufacturer's warranty?
-Yes, installing a superethanol conversion kit typically voids the warranty on engine and fuel system components.
What is the alternative to installing a dedicated conversion kit for superethanol?
-Some mechanics offer ECU reprogramming to allow ethanol use, but this is illegal and not recommended.
What is the best option for using superethanol fuel reliably?
-Buying a car originally equipped by the manufacturer to use high ethanol blends like E85 is the best option.
How does ethanol's lower energy density impact fuel consumption?
-The lower energy density of ethanol compared to gasoline means fuel consumption is increased when using high ethanol blends.
Why can high ethanol blends trigger check engine lights related to particulate filters?
-Higher oxygen levels in the exhaust with ethanol can change exhaust temperatures and cause particulate filter issues.

Outlines

00:00

😊 Super ethanol fuel sales explode in 2022-2023 in France

Paragraph 1 discusses the huge 85% increase in super ethanol E85 fuel sales in France in 2022-2023. The number of gas stations offering it increased to 3600. Ford alone sold over 30,000 new cars compatible with E85. As a result, the number of vehicles using super ethanol on French roads climbed 23%.

05:02

😕 But problems emerge linked to aftermarket E85 conversion kits

Paragraph 2 explains that super ethanol can cause corrosion, poor ignition, and filter clogging in vehicles not originally designed for it. Aftermarket E85 conversion kits try to address this but more mechanics are refusing to install them due to problems. Also, E85 voids the manufacturer warranty for the fuel system and engine.

10:05

😃 Best option is to buy an original E85 flex-fuel vehicle

Paragraph 3 concludes that despite potential cost savings, aftermarket E85 conversion kits have significant risks. The only logical choice is buying a car originally equipped by the manufacturer for E85, which avoids issues and retains the warranty.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡superéthanol

Superéthanol refers to the fuel E85, which contains 85% ethanol. It is an alternative fuel for gasoline vehicles that is cheaper but has some drawbacks. The video discusses the rapid growth in superéthanol sales and use in France, as well as concerns about converting regular vehicles to run on it.

💡éthanol

Ethanol is alcohol produced from sugar-rich plants like corn and wheat. It is blended with gasoline to make biofuel mixtures like E10 (10% ethanol) and E85 (85% ethanol). Ethanol is the key component of superéthanol.

💡boîtier de conversion

A 'conversion box' installed to allow regular gasoline vehicles to run on higher ethanol blends like E85. The video suggests these boxes may increase the risk of malfunctions.

💡reprogrammation moteur

Reprogramming the engine control unit to allow higher ethanol blends, an alternative to conversion boxes. Mentioned as growing in popularity but not legal.

💡garantie constructeur

Manufacturer's warranty on vehicles, which is voided if a conversion box for E85 is installed. A key reason to only use superéthanol in flex-fuel vehicles.

💡véhicule flex-fuel

A flex-fuel vehicle designed to run on varying gasoline/ethanol blends. The video recommends these as the best option for using superéthanol without issues.

💡corrosion

Ethanol can cause accelerated corrosion of metal fuel system components not designed for it. A potential issue with conversion boxes.

💡inflammation spontanée

Spontaneous ignition or engine knock, which can occur if ethanol content makes the octane rating unsuitable. Direct injection engines can compensate.

💡dysfonctionnements

Various malfunctions like hard starting and performance issues reported by some E85 conversion users, blamed on the add-on boxes.

💡consommation de carburant

Fuel consumption, which increases with E85 due to ethanol's lower energy density. An offsetting factor for E85's lower price per liter.

Highlights

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