With heavy economic activity in places like the USA, China and India the price of crude oil continues to rise. If just the threat of a short term disruption is a possibility the prices go even higher. This drives motorist crazy. One alternative fuel that we think is going to become a mainstream energy source for cars in the USA is ethanol or e85.

E85 refers to 85% ethanol and 15% fossil fuel. One question that we pondered is if E85 becomes as popular in the USA as it has in Brazil what about our current cars? Would it be possible to convert standard fossil fuel cars on the road for E85 compliance?

The answer is yes and no. It is yes, in the fact that yes it is possible to convert fossil fuel cars to E85 fuel compatibility. In fact the estimate for parts ranges from $30-100 per car for E85 conversion. The structure of the car engine or fuel tank does not change. Just a few modifications to the car engine are required.

However as of now E85 conversion kits really are not marketed in the USA due to the fact that they do not have clearance to be sold. The only way an E85 conversion kit could be used is if the car became EPA certified.

To become EPA certified a car has to be tested for 50,000 miles and cost over $20,000. That’s an expensive alternative fuel source.

So currently US law is not structured to make a huge conversion of regular fossil fuel cars to E85. However the saying is necessity is the mother of invention. If such tycoons as Vinod Khosla can persuade the usage of E85 as a solution in the USA for the growing energy problem an e85 conversion kit should not be harder to achieve.