Consumers of Superethanol E85 should be more numerous on the roads.
The government has just published a decree extending the approval of conversion units to cars of 15 HP and more.
The decree will also make it possible to install, from April 1, an approved E85 unit on vehicles fitted with particulate filters.
"
In total, this represents a potential of around 10 million eligible gasoline cars
," says the Collective of bioethanol.
Read also: Fuels: Superethanol acclaimed by the French despite the crisis
Until now, this biofuel, which contains 60 to 85% bioethanol from the fermentation of beets or cereals, only concerned original flex-E85 cars and petrol cars compatible with the SP95-E10 up to 14 CV, fitted with a state-approved housing.
Thanks to this decree, "
most petrol cars registered since January 1, 2001 and compatible with the SP95-E10 can be fitted with a state-approved box
," explains the Collective.
"The amending order confirms the market's potential and the government's desire to promote agrofuels in the decarbonisation of the transport sector",
also enthuses Sébastien Le Pollès, president of Flexfuel Energy Development (FFED), leader in FlexFuel boxes.
Savings at stake
E85 superethanol is the cheapest fuel at the pump today.
Less taxed because it emits less CO2 than fossil fuels, it is sold on average 0.69 cents per liter against 1.48 euros for the SP95-E10 and 1.39 euros for diesel.
It would save more than 500 euros per year for 13,000 km traveled, compared to conventional unleaded gasoline.
Read also: Is it profitable to run on superethanol?
It also makes it possible to obtain an exemption (within the limit of 750 euros) from the regional tax for the issuance of the gray card when the vehicle is resold.
“
This exemption is 100% in 10 regions and 50% in two others (Center-Val de Loire and Brittany) for all equipped vehicles.
In addition, two regions offer devices to aid conversion to Superethanol-E85: Hauts-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur,
”adds the Collective du Bioethanol.
An expanded vehicle offer
The flex-E85 car offer, so far very limited, should also expand between June and October.
Ford has indeed announced four cars of this type including two hybrids (Fiesta, Puma, Focus mHEV and Kuga PHEV) and two light commercial vehicles (Fiesta Van and Transit Connect).
Models that will be added to the three offered by Jaguar Land Rover (E-PACE, Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque).
The sector thus hopes to give a new boost to this biofuel, the consumption of which currently represents a very small share of gasolines, themselves in the minority compared to diesel.
Distribution is developing but remains limited for the moment, with the E85 only available in one in four service stations.
The Occitanie (34%), Hauts-de-France (30%) and Provence-Alpes Côtes d'Azur (28%) regions are therefore the best equipped.