Cellulosic ethanol is a renewable, advanced biofuel that can be used in today’s cars.  It is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and gasoline use in road transport, and in this regard can deliver benefits similar to improved vehicle efficiency.

Cellulosic ethanol and conventional (grain based) ethanol are both ethanol products that can be easily integrated into the existing fuel distribution system. The primary difference between the two types of ethanol products is that conventional fuel ethanol is derived from grains such as corn and wheat.  Cellulosic ethanol is made from the non-food portion of renewable feedstocks such as cereal straws and corn stover.  With the Iogen process, the lignin in the cellulosic ethanol can be used to generate electricity, which in turn can be utilized to run the plant.

All automotive manufacturers warrant the use of 10% ethanol blends (E10). These same manufacturers warrant (E5), 5%, blends in Europe. Ethanol blends are sold at retail outlets across Canada, the United States and Europe. As well, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Mazda and many more vehicle manufacturers, sell cars, trucks and minivans that are flexible fuel vehicles designed to use ethanol in up to 85% (E85) blends.

There are now approximately 4 million flex fuel vehicles on the road in North America.