Contact

Toll free: 1-888-429-5E10

Email:      e10@pcj.com

E10 is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasolene.

Ethanol may be produced from locally available products such as sugar cane biomass and other agricultural feedstock. This therefore means the need to rely on imported fossil fuels is significantly reduced and the necessity of MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), an oxygen enhancer renown acknowledged as a carcinogen may be phased out over time, as is the intent of many other countries. (To listen Jingle please click Play below.)

Frequently Asked Questions...

Q: What does Jamaica use to produce ethanol?
A: Jamaica uses the by-product molasses from the sugarcane to produce ethanol for the spirits industry but fuel ethanol is usually produced directly from the pressed cane juice. <Go top>

Q: What is E10?
A: E10 is gasoline blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol contains oxygen which raises the octane level of gasoline to prevent engine knocking.<Go top>

Q: What are some of the benefits of using ethanol in a motor vehicle?
A: Ethanol can help to maximize the performance and acceleration potential of many modern cars when used. It allows gasoline to burn cleaner thereby reducing tailpipe emissions, such as particulate matter from incomplete combustion. Though burning ethanol produces carbon dioxide, the crops that ethanol is produced from absorb carbon dioxide so the greenhouse gas is recycled therefore the process is Carbon neutral. <Go top>

Q: Why the introduction of ethanol in gasoline (E10) for Jamaica?
A: Ethanol is being introduced as a substitute for MTBE in gasoline, since the cumulative effect of the latter has been shown to be harmful to the environment. <Go top>

Q: Does the use of ethanol create engine corrosion over time?
A: The potential for corrosion due to ethanol has, in the past, been due to improper use by retailers of lower quality ethanol at inappropriate blend ratios without corrosion protection. In Jamaica, anti-corrosion agent will be added to the ethanol before blending with gasoline. <Go top>

Q: How does Ethanol work in my engine?
A: Ethanol has a high octane (Research and Motor Octanes) and as such ethanol based fuels have a natural tendency to resist compressive pre-combustion in engine combustion chambers. Its incorporation into fuel, in controlled quantities, will have the effect of lifting octane and allowing exposure to greater heat and compression in engines without 'pinging' (pre-combustion). <Go top> 

Q: Will the use of ethanol void my car's warranty?
A: No. All manufacturers (through the Automobile Dealers Association) approve the use of E10. <Go top>

Q: Will ethanol work in fuel injected engines?
A: Ethanol does not contribute to burning or fouling of port fuel injectors. Fuel injectors are manufactured to very exact tolerances, so it takes a very small amount of deposits to affect the efficiency of an injector. Since 1985, all ethanol blends and nearly all non-ethanol gasoline have contained detergent additives that are designed to prevent injector deposits. Ethanol itself acts as a detergent. <Go top>

Q: Can E10 be used in my pleasure or fishing boat?
A: The use of E10 in the Jamaican marine sector is being investigated through a pilot study as information from territories that have introduced E10 in their marine sectors is limited. Though some boat engine manufacturers, particularly for recent year models, recommend the use of E10, boat owners are advised not to use E10 until the local study findings are published <Go top>.

Q: How does Ethanol production from sugar cane compare to production from corn?
A: Production of ethanol from sugar cane is four times more energy efficient than ethanol produced from corn.  <Go top>

Q) What are the plans for E25 and E85?
A: The Ministry of Energy has this matter under consideration. <Go top>

For further information contact the E10 hotline @ 1-800-429-5E10 or via email: e10@pcj.com

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