What is the difference between ethanol gasoline and regular gasoline?

[VanRobert]

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; regular gasoline uses chemical agents such as MTBE as raw materials for gasoline additives, which causes significant environmental pollution. Many countries have successively banned the use of MTBE and other additives. 2. Different evaporation potential: Ethanol has a greater evaporation potential, approximately twice that of regular gasoline; regular gasoline has a smaller evaporation potential. 3. Different advantages: Ethanol gasoline has a lower heat value compared to regular gasoline, with only 61% of the heat value of regular gasoline, requiring more fuel to travel the same distance; regular gasoline has good adaptability, smooth and gentle operation, is convenient and labor-saving to use, is lightweight, and produces less noise.

[SanKatherine]

I've been driving for many years and feel that the biggest difference between ethanol gasoline and regular gasoline lies in their composition. Regular gasoline is a fuel purely refined from petroleum, while ethanol gasoline contains 10% to 85% ethanol, which is essentially alcohol. Ethanol is derived from crops like corn or sugarcane, making it more environmentally friendly by reducing exhaust emissions and greenhouse gases. However, the drawbacks are quite obvious: ethanol has a lower energy density, leading to increased fuel consumption over time, meaning the same tank of gas might take you fewer kilometers. Additionally, ethanol tends to absorb moisture, posing a risk of corrosion to rubber hoses in older vehicles with prolonged use, and potentially causing engine issues. I recommend checking your vehicle's manual first to see if it's compatible before switching. Many gas stations now promote ethanol gasoline because it's slightly cheaper, but the savings might be offset by repair costs. Developing a habit of regular maintenance, such as checking spark plugs and the ignition system, can help prevent problems—after all, safe driving is the top priority.

[Harley]

As a frequent driver who refuels often, I've noticed that ethanol gasoline is essentially regular gasoline blended with alcohol, typically at a ratio of 10% to 15%, with some regions like Brazil using even higher proportions. Alcohol burns faster and has decent cleaning properties, helping to reduce carbon buildup and keep the engine running smoother. However, the downside is that higher alcohol content can weaken engine power—you'll feel less kick when stepping on the gas, and acceleration becomes sluggish, leading to about 10% higher fuel consumption. Older cars need extra caution, as ethanol may corrode fuel tanks or fuel delivery systems, especially if left idle for long periods, increasing the risk of rust. Personally, I avoid ethanol-blended fuel unless my car explicitly supports E10 or E85; otherwise, I'd rather use additives to protect the engine. The lower price is an advantage—money saved can be spent on higher-quality engine oil, making the car run smoother. Also, remember that weather plays a role: in hot summers, evaporation is faster, so check sealing caps regularly to prevent leaks.

[LaValerie]

From a user's perspective, ethanol-blended gasoline is essentially regular gasoline mixed with a bit of alcohol. The alcohol makes the fuel cheaper and slightly more environmentally friendly. The main difference is that the alcohol content makes the fuel burn less powerfully than regular gasoline, potentially increasing fuel consumption by a few tenths of a liter per 100 kilometers. In winter, it may also freeze or cause starting difficulties. The benefit is that it reduces vehicle emissions, significantly improving urban air quality. However, it's important to note the vehicle model. Most cars manufactured after 2005 can adapt, but older vehicles should avoid it as it can damage rubber hoses and fuel pumps. It's recommended that owners refer to their user manuals to confirm compatibility and clean the fuel tank opening during routine maintenance to avoid water ingress. When refueling, check the labels—E10 with 10% ethanol content is common, while more expensive pure gasoline is better suited for performance cars.