TRG # 005: Ethanol, Electricity and the Environment

In contemporary motor racing, alternative fuels are becoming more and more of a prominent feature. A good example of this is with the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). As of the late 2000's, NASCAR has partnered with 'American Ethanol' to promote and provide a special blend of race fuel E15 (15% ethanol). You may be familiar with similar fuels such as, E10 (up to 10% ethanol), which you may fill up your streetcar with at the pumps of your local service station, particularly if you drive a more modern automobile. The ratio of ethanol to ULP (unleaded petrol) may vary depending on what part of the world you live in. In Brazil for example, ethanol is made with sugar cane and service stations sell exclusively blends that contain up to 25% ethanol and even up to 5% water.

RELATED: Did you know? NASCAR has been the long-time leading sport in Recycling in the world!

Ethanol is a form of alcohol that you may have drunk at some point in your favourite alcoholic beverage, without even realising! The use of ethanol in automotive transportation and sport can be very beneficial to the environment, by reducing the level of carbon monoxide emitted from tailpipes. It is also a renewable resource, as it is grown from the ground on farms throughout the Mid-west US and beyond. In the case of NASCAR; the 'American Ethanol' used also benefits the domestic economy as the product is locally produced, creating jobs and contributing to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The company 'American Ethanol' even sponsored the green flag used in officiating the start of a race or restart in 2011.

The following is a short NASCAR promotional video of its green initiatives, featuring veteran Roush-Fenway Racing driver Greg Biffle:

Another alternative 'fuel' to power racecars and streetcars alike, is electricity. Not necessarily powering a car by itself, it has been successfully used as part of a hybrid system, a good case-in-point would be the revered Audi 'R18 E-Tron Quattro' that has won many an endurance race, including the world's premier motor race multiple times, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It certainly has been the car to beat in the FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship).

Audi R18 E-tron Quattro

A hybrid drive system combines two or more distinct power delivery methods to mobilise a vehicle. There are many different combinations of hybrid vehicles; the most common being, HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), one that is powered by electricity and say a liquid fuel such as E10. The best selling HEV in the world is the Toyota Prius, which now maintains a good reputation as a reliable streetcar.

Perhaps as a sign of the advancement in electric vehicle technology, the FIA will be sanctioning a racing series that will be called 'Formula E', slated have its inaugural season in 2014/5.

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