A New IFPEN Study Confirms the Essential Role of Bioethanol in Reducing Automotive CO2 Emissions

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March 28, 2023

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(Bioethanol Collective (Google Translation)) As the final European negotiations begin on the rules concerning CO2 emissions from new cars until 2035, a study shows that plug-in hybrid vehicles running on Superethanol-E85 are as beneficial for the climate as 100% electric.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles running on Superethanol-E85 are as beneficial for the climate as 100% electric according to an IFPEN study .

The study carried out by IFPEN's Economics and Environmental Assessment Department measured and compared the greenhouse gas emissions of 3 types of compact cars (segment C): thermal vehicles running on fossil fuel, hybrids rechargeable using Superethanol-E85 and 100% electric cars, in life cycle analysis. This method takes into account all the greenhouse gas emissions due to vehicles and the battery (from manufacturing to recycling) as well as those from the energies used (from production to use). The study covered both the cases of the French and European electricity mixes (see the infographic below).

This comparison made for 2022 with projections for 2040 demonstrates that plug-in hybrid vehicles using Superethanol-E85 and covering 40% of the distances in electric mode are at least as beneficial for the climate as the corresponding 100% electric vehicles, with the electric mix French and a fortiori with the more carbon-intensive European mix.

These results are essential as the “trilogue” negotiations begin between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the CO2 regulation for light vehicles which will determine the types of new vehicles sold from 2035.

What is the status of the draft European Regulation on CO 2 emissions from light vehicles?

With the aim of reducing the climate impact of motoring, the European institutions are in the process of drawing up new regulations on CO 2 emissions from light vehicles. The initial project of the Commission and that of the European Parliament provide that all vehicles sold by 2035 should emit zero CO 2 at the exhaust. This measure favors only the electric vehicle. While maintaining this objective of total decarbonization of new buildings by 2035, the project of the European Council, representing the Member States, leaves the door open to two alternative solutions : continue to use fuels provided that they are completely carbon neutral and authorize plug-in hybrid vehicles, the place of which could be redefined in 2026, depending on the progress of electric vehicles. These proposals will be discussed during the trialogue.

The Collective of Bioethanol and ePURE ask:

that the European institutions respect the commitment to produce a method for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions in life cycle analysis for light vehicles in 2023
that the openings towards carbon-neutral fuels and plug-in hybrids are effectively applied.

Why bioethanol is one of the sustainable solutions to decarbonize the car fleet:

A plug-in hybrid car that runs on Superethanol-E85 does at least as well as an electric car in aiming for carbon neutrality… if we analyze their emissions throughout their life cycle!

A study carried out by IFPEN shows that today and in 2040, "compact" plug-in hybrid vehicles running on Superethanol-E85 are as good for the climate as long-range 100% electric vehicles . And this, even with the very carbon-free French electricity mix, when we measure emissions in life cycle analysis, and a fortiori with the European mix which is less good.

A carbon-neutral Superethanol-E85 is feasible for plug-in hybrids.

Bioethanol produced in Europe achieves an average reduction of 77% in greenhouse gas emissions according to the report published by the European association ePURE for 2021. It improves each year to move towards carbon neutrality. In France, there is already bioethanol which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100% compared to fossil gasoline (Source DGEC, CarbuRe 2020 and 2021 ). In addition, Superethanol-E85, which contains 75% bioethanol on average, can be made 100% renewable by replacing the average 25% share of fossil gasoline with other renewable fuels (synthetic gasoline from renewable energies... ).

The plug-in hybrid running on Superethanol-E85 offers other advantages

The plug-in hybrid running on Superethanol-E85 combines additional advantages :

It is more practical when the charging stations are busy because it allows you to drive over long distances without recharging the battery, by refueling with Superethanol-E85.
Its battery being smaller, it consumes less mineral resources produced outside the European Union and energy for its manufacture.
It is less expensive than 100% electric, which is beneficial for state budgets and motorists, as shown by a recent study.

Superethanol-E85 could drive 5 million plug-in hybrids by 2040

Superethanol-E85 reached nearly 7% of the gasoline market in France in June/July 2022 (compared to 4% in 2021). Available at 34% of service stations, it has become a practical and economical alternative for French motorists. By using it in very fuel-efficient vehicles such as plug-in hybrids, we could run more than 5 million flex-E85 vehicles in 2040, i.e. 15% to 20% of the vehicle fleet , by consuming ethanol from only 1% French useful agricultural area net of associated food co-products.

Plug-in hybrids running on bioethanol are an effective solution for reducing the impact of vehicles on the climate and better meeting certain needs of motorists. The CO2 regulations for light vehicles must preserve their place.

Focus on the IFPEN study:

IFPEN has studied family vehicles (compact cars – segment C) used both for short daily journeys and longer journeys weekends and holidays. The study assumes that these plug-in hybrid vehicles operate 40% in electric mode and 60% with the internal combustion engine, as recommended by the European Commission. The battery being smaller, its initial carbon footprint is divided by four, which offsets most of the fuel emissions. The reduction in CO2eq emissions from ethanol compared to gasoline improves from 67% in 2022 to 90% in 2040. The carbon footprint of Superethanol-E85, which contains on average 75% bioethanol, decreases with the time, just like that of the battery and electricity with the French mix much better than the European one. The 25% fossil fuel share of E85 is half replaced by other renewable components in 2040. Thus, both solutions remainequivalent in 2040 . NB: to compare 2022 and 2040 over the same distance of 150,000 km, multiply the 2022 figure by 0.6

Infographics available on bioethanolcarburant.com

About the Bioethanol Collective

The Bioethanol Collective is represented by the Interprofessional Association of Beets and Sugar (AIBS) and the National Union of Agricultural Alcohol Producers (SNPAA). Its objective is to inform professionals and the general public about the bioethanol industry. Bioethanol is currently incorporated into gasoline in France, pure or in a derivative, up to 7.5% (including a maximum of 5% pure ethanol) in SP95 and SP98, up to 10% in SP95-E10 and up to 85% in Superethanol-E85. For more information: https://www.bioethanolcarburant.com/

About ePURE – European Renewable Ethanol

ePURE represents the interests of European renewable ethanol producers to European institutions, industry players, media, academia and the general public. Based in Brussels, ePURE speaks on behalf of 39 member companies and associations, with around 50 plants in the EU and UK, representing around 85% of EU renewable ethanol production. The organization, established in 2010, promotes the beneficial uses of ethanol across Europe. READ MORE

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