More than 55 parties representing diverse interests joined to submit a detailed brief to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals last week arguing that the Environmental Protection Agency “unlawfully exceeded its statutory authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously by finalizing vehicle tailpipe emissions standards that would essentially phase out liquid-fueled engines and mandate increased production of electric vehicles.” The brief …
RFA Showcasing Hybrid Electric Flex Fuel Vehicle in DC
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is set up at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show this week to showcase its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Flex Fuel Vehicle (PHEFFV). RFA has conducted tailpipe emissions analysis, comprehensive life cycle greenhouse gas assessment, overall cost of ownership analysis, and convenience testing for the vehicle, a converted 2022 Ford Escape. “With the Flex Fuel Power Initiative, …
Most 2024 Vehicles Approved for E15
More new vehicles than ever are specifically approved by manufacturers to run on 15 percent ethanol blended fuel (E15). The Renewable Fuels Association just released its annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements and found that E15 is explicitly approved by the manufacturer for use in approximately 95 percent of model year 2024 cars and light trucks. “RFA …
RFA Partners with Girls Auto Clinic for Ethanol Education
The Renewable Fuels Association has just announced a new partnership with the Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) to bring ethanol education and promotion to a new and growing audience – women who are actively interested in auto purchasing, maintenance, and repair. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Patrice Banks, Girls Auto Clinic builds and provides tools to drive knowledge and engagement to …
Ethanol Groups Comment on Proposed CAFE Standards
Ethanol producers, farmers, and even the petroleum industry were united in comments opposing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed new CAFE standards for Model Year 2027–2032 cars and trucks. The Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union and National Corn Growers Association filed joint comments Monday saying the proposed new fuel economy standards “greatly missed the intent” of the Corporate …
Ethanol Report with More #NEC23 Highlights
The centerpiece of the 2023 National Ethanol Conference was a new concept vehicle that runs on both electricity and up to 85 percent ethanol. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association VP of Industry Relations Robert White talks about the new Flex Fuel EV, which has already become a trade show star. We also hear from Jeff …
RFA 2023 Vehicle Survey Finds Wide Approval of E15
Virtually every car maker approves the use of E15 in model year 2023 cars and light trucks, according to the results of the Renewable Fuels Association annual survey, but few are offering flex fuel vehicles capable of using up to 85 percent ethanol. The annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements found that E15 is explicitly approved by …
Ethanol Stakeholders Comment on FFV Standards
Ethanol stakeholder organizations submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency this week regarding the E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicle Weighting Factor (F-factor) for Model Year 2021 and Later Vehicles. Comments from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) support EPA’s new approach to maintaining some level of certainty for automakers, but would like to see the agency “provide a long-term floor and “more …
SAFE Vehicles Rule Misses High Octane Opportunity
Ethanol groups are calling the final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule setting corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and CO2 emissions standards for model years 2021-2026 passenger cars and light trucks a “missed opportunity to provide a pathway for high octane, low carbon fuel.” American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings said EPA specifically requested comments on the role …
RFA Reviews 2020 Vehicle Models for Ethanol Usage
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) finds good news for E15 but bad news for higher blends of ethanol in its review of 2020 model year vehicles. The RFA analysis of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements reveals that nearly all new 2020 automobiles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). However, RFA’s annual …