Since last April, models of 15 HP and more can theoretically benefit from an E85 kit without being in violation. But manufacturers have been slow to get approval, and the number of available boxes is just starting to increase.
Often greedy, gasoline vehicles of 15 HP and more are fond of adaptations to E85. Because if this solution increases consumption, it also makes it possible to greatly reduce operating costs thanks to the very low pump price of ethanol in France (around € 0.70 per liter). But, until recently, this conversion was prohibited by law. It is a decree published on March 5, 2021 which made it legal since the 1er last April. A few months then passed before we saw the unloading of approved boxes. Biomotors was the first to draw by obtaining, from the 1er July, authorization to equip direct injection engines meeting Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards: first generation Porsche Cayenne, Nissan 350Z and Murano, Renault Mégane RS, Ford Focus 2 RS… The most recent models are therefore remained excluded until very recently.
Direct injection recently compatible
It was not until November 24 that Biomotors obtained approval for direct injection vehicles conforming to the Euro 5 or Euro 6 standard: Renault Mégane 4 RS, Audi RS3 and RS4, BMW 430i, 435i or M440i, Porsche 911 type 991 or 992, Volvo XC40 or XC60… More than 12,000 petrol models put into circulation between 2011 and today would be affected. This time the company was closely followed by its big rival, Flexfuel Energy Development, which has benefited from this precious sesame since December 14. Both are also waiting for a green light on indirect injection models, expected in early 2022.
On the other hand, with the Finnish eFlexfuel, it is quite the opposite. Currently, only indirect injection is taken into account. For the rest, the company will meet in 2022. As for the fourth thief, Borel, he does not exceed 7 CV with its E85 kits as with its Flex3 system, which is also compatible with LPG.
TO READ. Bioethanol. Everything you need to know about the E85: boxes, prices, models …
Where to have your approved box installed?
The two leaders, Biomotors and Flexfuel Energy Development, are also those who offer the most partners to have their boxes installed. The first claims nearly 600, spread throughout France. Among them are Point S, Auto Distribution, First Stop, Motorcraft or Roady centers. The second is notably associated with the Speedy network, which recently exceeded the milestone of 5,000 approved boxes fitted and installed. It is also Flexfuel boxes that we find at Norauto. For the time being, however, these two large brands have not yet integrated models over 15 HP into their offer. But they should certainly not be long in doing so. It remains to remain a minimum cautious before breaking, especially if your vehicle is still very valuable. The use of such a housing is in fact not without long-term risks, in particular because of the corrosive power of ethanol. And the coverage offered by kit manufacturers on parts in contact with this fuel rarely exceeds two years.
TO READ. Bioethanol: where to put your conversion kit?
