Automotive ethanol fuel (E50-E85)

This National Standard of Canada applies to automotive fuel composed of 50 to 85% by volume denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline strictly for use in flexible fuel vehicles over a wide range of climatic conditions. Fuel produced to this standard is not for use in conventional vehicles designed to operate on gasoline containing up to 10% by volume ethanol. Precautions for the use of Automotive Ethanol Fuel (E50–E85) complying with this standard are also identified1. This standard addresses four volatility classes where the denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline of the fuel blend are seasonally adjusted to ensure adequate startability, operability and safety. The composition of Automotive Ethanol Fuel (E50–E85) is seasonally adjusted based upon climatic history, and varies from 85% to as low as 50% by volume denatured fuel ethanol under warm and cold climatic conditions, respectively. The proportion of gasoline is increased at lower temperatures to increase vapour pressure and so improve flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) operability. The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This standard does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.