Holden to release E85-compatible model

Australian carmaker Holden is expected to announce that it will soon rely on alcohol to future-proof Australia’s bestselling car against dwindling world oil supplies. The carmaker is expected to unveil a version of the Commodore that can run on anything from 100% petrol to E85, a blend of 15% petrol and 85% ethanol, while Caltex will trial a chain of E85 fueling stations in a joint venture. The fuel is also expected to cost a lot less at the pump, with ethanol production costs running at about A$0.50 (US$0.46) a liter. Caltex said its Bio E-Flex fuel would “offer an energy option beyond the traditional fuel mix that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions”. (August 2, 2010)