Chiratech completes successful test of E85-compatible lubricant

Chiratech Co., in collaboration with the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department of Thailand, have conducted testing of a lubricant which is compatible with E85 vehicles, the first such product in the Thai market.
The Bangkok Post reported that the successful results of the tests of the Maxima Flexo brand of lubricants for almost a year, covering 100,000 kilometers of driving, will pave the way for its mass production, according to Chiratech Chairman Chira Ratanarat.
“Normally, vehicles that are compatible with E85 use the same lube as conventional vehicles, but motorists have to change the lube every 3,000 kilometers,” Chira said.
Production is ready to start at the company’s facility in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district, and the company has begun sales and promotional activities in Thailand, in line with the government’s aggressive promotion of the use of renewable energy and biofuels, including E85.
The Energy Business Department figures show that as of September 30, a total of 22,080 vehicles in Thailand use E85. There are 50 petrol stations nationwide, which are expected to increase to 70 by year-end.
The government’s renewable energy plan is to replace 45% of petrol consumption with ethanol by 2020, and 12% of diesel fuel use with biodiesel. It is expected that by January, regular petrol will no longer be available in the Thai market, as it will be replaced by ethanol-blended petrol. (November 26, 2012)