Automakers say E20 is illegal, voids warranties; GM says tests show 40% of cars experience damaged catalytic converters

In Michigan, automakers have responded to news of Minnesota’s testing of E20. They stated flatly that the fuel does not have EPA approval and is illegal. A General Motors spokesman told USA Today that in a GM test of E20 in Australia, “40% of the vehicles sustained (catalytic converter) damage, which allowed essentially unchecked tailpipe emissions.” Chrysler added that use of E20 would void the manufacturers’ warranty.

A new study by the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University suggest that US cars could burn E20 without flex-fuel engines. Gene Hugoson, Minnesota agriculture commissioner told USA Today “We see E20 not exactly as bypassing E85, but supplementing it.” Ethanol proponents have targeted E20 as an alternative to E85, which has been dogged by controversy and low sales.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley recently called on President Bush to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to approve E15, E20, E30 blends. Grassley said that with E85 not gaining acceptance, the US had to find other ways to ensure a market for higher blends of ethanol.

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