
Biofuels refer to fuels extracted from plants that are suitable for internal combustion engines, mainly including bioethanol, biodiesel, ethyl tert-butyl ether, etc. Currently, biofuels primarily consist of ethanol fuel and biodiesel. Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, is used in ethanol vehicles, which are motor vehicles that use ethanol or ethanol gasoline as their main power fuel. Specific details are as follows: 1. Introduction: Currently, bioethanol fuel has become one of the world's recognized environmentally friendly fuels and a major resource for replacing fossil fuels. Two-thirds of the world's ethanol production and sales are used for fuel. Due to ethanol's properties being relatively similar to gasoline, using ethanol in vehicles can increase the fuel's octane rating, enhance oxygen content, and make combustion in the engine cylinders more complete, thereby reducing harmful emissions. Currently, the use of gasoline-ethanol blended fuel as a substitute for gasoline is becoming increasingly mature in terms of both production and application technology worldwide. 2. There are four fuel application methods for ethanol vehicles: The first is the blending method, where ethanol and gasoline are mixed for use. Since this method does not require significant technical modifications to the internal combustion engine or major vehicle components, it is the primary method for promoting and applying ethanol vehicles. The second is the pure burning method, where only ethanol is used as the main vehicle fuel (E85 or higher). The third is denatured fuel ethanol, which refers to ethanol that is dehydrated and then mixed with denaturants. Denatured fuel ethanol vehicles are still in the experimental application phase. The fourth is flexible fuel, which can use gasoline, ethanol, methanol, or mixtures of these with gasoline, and can also use hydrogen, with the ability to switch between fuels at any time. Currently, apart from the blending method, the other three methods are still in the experimental stage.

When it comes to biofuel vehicles, I find it interesting to categorize them into several main types. First are Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), which can run on a blend of bioethanol and gasoline, such as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). These vehicles automatically adjust the engine, and many American cars support this feature. Next are pure biofuel vehicles, specifically designed to use high-percentage ethanol like E100. These are quite popular in Brazil but require engine modifications. Then there are biodiesel vehicles that use biodiesel converted from vegetable oil or animal fat. Some older diesel cars can be modified to use it, but be careful not to use the wrong fuel to avoid damaging the engine. There are also hybrid biofuel vehicles, which combine electric systems with biofuels for better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Driving these cars is good for the environment, but fuel stations are fewer, so you need to plan your refueling routes in advance.

I see that biofuel vehicles are mainly categorized into several types based on their fuel sources. The first type is ethanol-based, such as flexible-fuel vehicles or dedicated vehicles, which use corn or sugarcane to produce ethanol, reducing CO2 emissions, and they perform similarly to gasoline-powered cars. The second type is biodiesel-based, utilizing waste oils or plants to refine diesel, most commonly used in trucks and buses. While environmentally friendly, the fuel quality must be strictly controlled to avoid clogging fuel injectors. Additionally, there are biogas vehicles, though rare, often seen at waste treatment plants, utilizing methane for power. These classifications all emphasize sustainability, and their promotion in urban areas can help alleviate air pollution. However, the initial infrastructure investment is substantial, requiring government subsidies to achieve wider adoption.

I've driven biofuel vehicles, and they come in several types. The most common are FlexFuel vehicles, which can run on E85 fuel or regular gasoline. My car is like this, allowing me to choose freely at the pump, saving money and offering flexibility. Then there are pure biofuel vehicles, such as those running on 100% ethanol, which are more common in Brazil, but require specific gas stations, or else you risk getting stranded. Biodiesel vehicles are suitable for diesel engines; my pickup truck was modified to run on rapeseed oil diesel, providing strong power. All these types are fuel-efficient, but fuel supply isn't widespread, making them inconvenient in remote areas. FlexFuel is the best choice for practicality.


