I've written articles about the future hybrid vehicles and hybrid offroad vehicles, even the pros and cons. About has even added a Hybrid site to its network and Eric does a great job.
But, all this talk about hybrids got me thinking a little. The 4 wheel drive and offroading industry can be in serious trouble if fuel prices continue with their skyrocketing upward trend. As enthusiasts, we are affected at the pump and the showroom. SUVs and 4 wheel drive vehicles are being traded in at auto dealerships in record fashion. That's a double-edged sword. You can't afford to trade it in, but the auto dealer may be willing to deal on his over-stocked lot. How long until Mr. Ford and Mr. GM start offering fewer (if any) choices in the future for 4 wheel drive enthusiasts?
Fuel Rules Our Decision Making
Frankly, I'm tired of being held hostage by a couple of third world countries that think they hold all of the marbles. We've grown dependent on their "liquid gold". If we're going to be dependent on someone, how about giving the American Farmer a shot at it? That's right! We've depended on these families for... well, my whole life - to put food on the table. Heck the "world" depends on the American farmer to put food on its table, maybe it's time we depend on them to put fuel in our tanks. The savings can be as much as $1.00 per gallon.
Ethanol - The Future of 4 Wheeling
Ethanol is a fuel manufactured from corn. Unlike fossil fuel, corn is a renewable resource. According to the Kansas Corn Growers Association, U.S. growers harvested a record 11.8 billion bushels of corn in 2004. With each bushel of corn capable of producing 2.5 gallons of ethanol, our dependence on a foreign fuel suppliers could be greatly reduced.
Ethanol is currently mixed with the gas that you purchase at the pump. Premium unleaded can contain as much as 20%ethanol and some states, like Minnesota, mandate that all fuels contain at least 10%ethanol.
To date, automobile manufactures have produced and sold at least 6 million FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) vehicles that are capable of burning E85 (85%ethanol). According to the Ohio Corn Growers Association that number is expected to double in the next two years.
So, can someone please explain to me why E85 gas stations aren't opening daily? Even though my Jeep wasn't manufactured as an FFV, I would be willing to make the few simple modifications to make it capable of burning E85. How about you?
LEARN MORE ABOUT...
- Making Your Own Ethanol
- How Ethanol Is Made from Midwest Grain Processors
- The List of FFVs
- Quick Ethanol Facts
- Facts and Fiction