The burning of transportation fuel accounts for the greatest source of air pollution in our nation. These pollutants range from allergy irritants to carcinogens. Because of the nature of gasoline and the emissions it produces, researchers are trying to find cleaner sources of energy. On source of energy that is readily available and considered renewable is ethanol, which comes from corn, sugar and other bio-wastes. From this has stemmed a grate relationship between Honda and ethanol. Read below for the plans for Honda and ethanol as well as the vehicles Honda already has that will operate on a 10% ethanol and gasoline mixture.
Honda and its Ethanol Plans
Many people are familiar both with cars produced by Honda and with ethanol options available to consumers. Honda, however, has new plans for ethanol that are very promising for the future of ethanol fuel. These plans include using bio-wastes or discarded plant wastes to produce ethanol. Not only has Honda worked hard to find places other than corn to derive ethanol, but it has also developed a microorganism that allows for more efficient production of ethanol. In addition, Honda and ethanol are planning to tie the knot in 2008 with Honda s first bio-refinery.
Ethanol Available Vehicles
Even though Honda is working diligently toward better ethanol options, several of their vehicles are already able to handle a 10% ethanol mix, known as E10. Honda and ethanol work together in several of its vehicles. These include the Honda Accord and Honda Accord Euro from 2003 onwards, the Civic from 2004 onwards, and the CR-V 2003 onwards. In addition, the Honda Integra 2002 on, Honda Jazz 2004 on, the Honda Legend 2007 on and the MDX 2003 on are also able to handle this mixture. Finally, the Odyssey and S2000 2004 onwards also can use E10. These vehicles range from compact cars to mini-vans and are appropriate for many different families.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that there is a push among automakers to develop more fuel efficient and cleaner vehicles. Honda and ethanol appear to be moving in the same direction toward technologies that will make our environment cleaner and our dependence on foreign oil lessened. With Honda s creation of an ethanol refinery and current vehicles that handle E10, it seems that Honda is a leader in the movement from gasoline to ethanol. Watch for more from Honda and the future of fuel.