P-series Fuels

A P-series fuel is a unique blend of liquefied petroleum gas liquids, ethanol, hydro­carbons, and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF). P-series fuels are blends of ethanol, MeTHF, and pentanes, with butane added for blends that would be used in severe cold-weather conditions to meet cold start requirements. P-series fuels are made pri­marily from biorenewable resources and provide significant emissions benefits over reformulated gasoline. A P-series fuel can be mixed with gasoline in any proportion and used in FFVs. P-series fuels are clear, colorless, 89- to 93-octane liquid blends that are formulated for use in FFVs. Like gasoline, low-vapor-pressure formulations are produced to prevent excessive evaporation during summer and high-vapor-pres­sure formulations are used for easy starting in the winter. P-series fuels are at least 60% nonpetroleum. They also have many environmental benefits. Because a major­ity of the components that make up P-series fuels come from domestically produced renewable resources, this alternative fuel promotes both energy security and envi­ronmental quality. P-series fuels could be 96% derived from domestic resources and could reduce fossil energy use by 49 to 57% and petroleum use by 80% rela­tive to gasoline. Greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of P-series fuels are substantially better than those from gasoline. Each unit of P-series fuel emits approx. 50% less carbon dioxide, 35% less hydrocarbons, and 15% less car­bon monoxide than gasoline. It also has 40% less ozone-forming potential.