What are the differences between ethanol gasoline and regular gasoline?
2 Answers
Ethanol gasoline and regular gasoline differ in the following aspects: 1. Different characteristics: Ethanol gasoline uses fuel ethanol as a gasoline additive, which is environmentally friendly, clean, and renewable. In contrast, regular automotive gasoline uses chemical additives such as MTBE as raw materials, which cause significant environmental pollution. Many countries have already banned the use of MTBE and similar additives. 2. Different evaporation potential: Ethanol has a higher evaporation potential, approximately twice that of gasoline. This characteristic can improve engine thermal efficiency and serve as a beneficial factor for cooling the engine. 3. Different advantages: Compared to regular gasoline, ethanol gasoline has only 61% of the heat value, requiring more fuel to travel the same distance. Despite having a much lower heat value than gasoline, theoretically, the heat value of the mixed gas is very close to that of gasoline, making ethanol suitable for use as a fuel in gasoline engines. 4. Different disadvantages: When using ethanol gasoline, vapor lock can easily occur under normal engine operating temperatures. This is because ethanol has a lower boiling point than regular gasoline, around 78 degrees Celsius, which can lead to a reduction in fuel supply or even fuel interruption during operation.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I believe the differences between ethanol-blended gasoline and regular gasoline mainly lie in daily driving experience and cost. Ethanol-blended gasoline contains plant-based alcohol, such as around 10% ethanol, while pure gasoline is entirely petroleum-based. This results in ethanol-blended gasoline having a lower heat value, meaning you might burn more fuel to cover the same kilometer, leading to approximately 5% higher fuel consumption in the long run, which could put some pressure on your wallet due to more frequent refueling. Another aspect is corrosiveness—the ethanol component may cause slight damage to rubber or metal parts in older cars, especially if the engine wasn’t designed to be compatible, so maintenance is crucial. However, the upside is that it’s more environmentally friendly, emitting fewer pollutants after combustion, and the government promotes it for cleaner air. Currently, though, gas station distribution is uneven, and pure gasoline is easier to find, making it more convenient for long-distance travel. Overall, the choice depends on your car’s condition and personal values—newer cars are generally adapted to ethanol, but you should still choose based on practical circumstances.
