|
Government testing E20 in E10 cars |
|
E10-compatible vehicles are likely to be able to run on gasohol E20, according to a study by the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE). E10 has an ethanol content of 10% mixed with 90% petrol, while gasohol E20 has double the ethanol. Higher-alcohol fuel can increase engine wear. The department completed a test in which it filled an E10-compatible car with E20 and drove it 100,000 kilometres. The test showed no signs of harm to the engine. Panich Pongpirodom, the department's director-general, said that testing started early this year with six passenger cars, including a Toyota Soluna Vios and a Honda Civic. Officials also tested Honda Wave and the Yamaha Fino motorcycles. Car companies also joined the programme. After the tests, the engines were inspected by experts at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. Mr. Panich said the results would be released publicly soon after the DEDE can validate them. The tests are aimed at encouraging motorists to shift from E10 to E20 to curb their fuel costs and expand alternative fuel consumption. E20 fuel was introduced to the local market early this year and sales of E20- compatible cars, also new to the market, have been very strong, at 60,000 units through April. The figure is expected to grow to 150,000 cars by the end of this year, far beyond a previous forecast of 100,000 cars.
Mr. Panich said that
PTT Plc and Bangchak Petroleum planned to increase the number of E20
pumps to 100 across the country from 70 at present. |
|
Bangkok Post, 03.06.2008 |
