Press releases

Ethanol for a sustainable diesel vehicle: an IFP solution

29 April 2008

Using its engine/fuel expertise, IFP offers an innovative solution to extend the use of ethanol, usually restricted to gasoline engines, to diesel engines. This concept, named EASI (Ethanol alternative for a sustainable diesel vehicle), has been implemented on a demonstrator vehicle.

IFP first developed a new fuel that combines bioethanol with first- and second-generation diesel biofuels, thereby correcting the natural properties of ethanol, poorly suited to the diesel technology.

IFP then demonstrated the possibility of running a standard diesel vehicle (Citroën C4) with this new, 100% bio, ethanol-based fuel, for real long-term use with no major changes to either the engine or the vehicle.

The vehicle’s performances were then monitored and checked during the project: pollutant emissions, driveability and safety, resistance of certain materials, behavior of the lubricant, impact on the ageing of the parts, etc. The results revealed an interesting potential in terms of compatibility with the vehicle and driveability.

This innovation could help reduce "well-to-wheel" CO₂ emissions while restoring the gasoline/diesel supply balance in a European automotive market caracterized by a high diesel requirement.

IFP is a world-class public-sector research and training center, aimed at developing the technologies and materials of the future in fields of energy, transport and the environment. It provides public players and industry with innovative solutions for a smooth transition to the energies and materials of tomorrow – more efficient, more economical, cleaner and sustainable.