If I buy a 100% ethanol fueled car, will I have done my part to fight Global Warming?

Question

Specifically, I'm looking at one of these:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080115/tc_nm/autoshow_ferrari_dc

Answer 1

No No No NO!!!!

It takes more energy to make ethanol than it yields.  Ethanol has 76,500 BTU of energy and to just make that same ethanol requires 98,000 BTU

And it cost the tax payer a $1.38 a gallon for a fuel that is 30% less efficient than gasoline

Gasoline 116,000 BTU

Ethanol 76,500 BTU

The amount of energy to make 1 gallon of ethanol is 98,000 BTU

Also it takes 1,700 gallons of water to make 1 gallon of ethanol..  I could go on for hours here.

Just read this 1 website, I have hundreds if you would like them.

http://www.slate.com/id/2122961/

Nigel is correct-  Methane gas by cows farting puts out more CO2 than all transportation combined.

Answer 2

Good question but you say "done your part" as if then you can quit trying to be Earth friendly. And you cant. You have to live your life remembering about the future generations and the fact we are caretakers.

Every step forward is a step in the right direction.

Answer 3

it's a start but say every one does that then does that mean everyones done their part and theres nothing left to do ?

Answer 4

no, you will have to kill several thousand cows.  The methan gas released into the atmosphere from livestock farts is a major contributor in green house gases.

Answer 5

Just because you by a "flex-fuel" car, doesn't mean you will be using E-85. The vast majority don't.

Answer 6

Nothing.

Ethanol is not the answer.

It takes up more energy to process it , than actually doing any part in saving the environment.

Answer 7

Well assuming that "Global Warming" is something to be at war with...NO.  To do ones part; Let's consider walking.

Now as far as the 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, one must ask Ferari..."Decrease of 40% of WHAT?"  Cafe, or same vehicle last year, ...of what a Cadilac gets...which one?

It isn't easy making any decision to purchase a car at this time.   Maybe a bicycle would be best with a job at home.