Automotive ethanol fuel (E50-­E85 and E20-­E25)

This National Standard of Canada applies to two types of automotive fuel: type 1, 50 % to 85 % by volume denatured  fuel ethanol with gasoline and type 2, 20 % to 25 % by volume denatured fuel ethanol with gasoline. Both types are for use in flexible-­fuel vehicles over a wide range of climatic conditions.

Users of this standard are advised to consult the owner’s manual and/or the original equipment manufacturer regarding the suitability of the specific fuel blend prior to its use.

Fuel produced to this standard is not for use in conventional vehicles designed to operate on gasoline containing up to 10 % or 15 % by volume ethanol. Precautions for the use of automotive ethanol fuel type 1 and type 2 are also identified.

Type 1 (E50–E85) varies from 85 % to as low as 50 % by volume denatured fuel ethanol under respectively warm and cold seasonal conditions, and also by geographic location. The proportion of gasoline is increased for use at lower temperatures to increase volatility to improve flexible-­fuel vehicle (FFV) startability and driveability, and also to reduce the risk associated with flammable ullage spaces.

For type 2 (E20-­E25), the composition in this standard uses gasoline that complies with CAN/CGSB­3.5 or BOB suitable for CAN/CGSB-3.511 to meet the seasonal volatility requirements that ensure adequate startability, driveability and to reduce the risk associated with flammable ullage spaces (see Tables 2A to 2H).

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.