Alternative Fuel Products

Ethanol Combinations
Ethanol is a fuel blending component that is used widely by major oil companies and distributors. According to Ethanol producer Iogen (www.iogen.ca), approximately 12% of all US gasoline is currently blended with Ethanol. Ethanol is considered an 'alternative' fuel component, as it can be produced from domestically-produced agricultural products. Ethanol has been used in low concentrations (less than 10%) with no changes in engine components or fuel handling and delivery systems. Ethanol can be used in higher concentrations (up to 85%) in specially-designed 'Flexible Fuel Vehicles', described below.

E10 refers to a gasoline-based ethanol product. This typically has a combination of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, but the percentage of ethanol can range from 5.7% to 10% in accordance with the specifications of the customer. E10 is commonly used throughout the United States and can be used in all gasoline vehicles without engine modification.

E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is currently available at approximately 400 gas station pumps in the United States, according to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (www.e85fuel.com). Flexible-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on regular unleaded or any ethanol fuel blend up to 85% Ethanol. Special onboard diagnostics "read" the fuel blend, enabling drivers to fuel with E85 or regular unleaded if E85 is not available. Today, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Daimler-Chrysler Corporation all offer E85 engines as standard equipment in certain vehicles.

These vehicles come with the same factory warranties as gasoline vehicles. Ethanol has lower energy content vs. gasoline, and is 'hygroscopic', meaning that it can draw water into the fuel from the surrounding air. These characteristics can create lower fuel efficiency and handling problems in Ethanol-based fuels. ReFuel's technology is intended to make up for the typical loss of performance with ethanol blends. ReFuel's technology is designed to enable a clear homogenous solution, eliminating typical problems with water that cause phase separation, and thereby improving combustion.

Biodiesel Combinations
Biodiesel is an "alternative" fuel component that can be produced from domestically grown Soybean and other oil crops, as well as waste oil and animal fats. Biodiesel requires no engine modifications or changes in the fuel handling and delivery systems. Biodiesel delivers similar horsepower, torque, and miles per gallon as conventional diesel, while producing significantly lower emissions of Carbon Monoxide, black smoke, and particulate matter.

B20 (blend of 20% Biodiesel with 80% conventional diesel) has limited distribution in the US currently, although all diesel vehicles can use this fuel. According to the National Biodiesel Board, usage of Biodiesel in the US was 30 million gallons in 2004, vs. a total on-road diesel consumption of 34 billion gallons, according to the Energy Information Administration. Federal and state fleets are mandated to use B20 if available, to meet their targets for the Energy Policy Act and EO13149 compliance (discussed below).

According to the EPA, one drawback with Biodiesel is that it increases emissions of Nitrous Oxides. ReFuel's technology is designed to enhance the performance of B20 by eliminating this Nitrous Oxide increase, while also substantially increasing the reduction of black smoke and particulates.