Scientists from the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology (New York, USA) recently reported the effects of E20 (20% ethanol in gasoline blends) on automobile tailpipe emissions, vehicle drivability, and maintenance of internal combustion engines. They used E20 in 10 older gasoline vehicles that were not designed for ethanol fuel mixtures. Vehicles that logged over 100,000 miles on E20 were analyzed regularly for tailpipe emissions (carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) and overall wear and tear on the vehicle. Results showed that E20: (1) had average vehicle emission reductions (relative to conventional gasoline) of 23 percent for carbon monoxide and 13 percent reduction for hydrocarbon, (2) had no measurable stress on vehicle operation or mechanics were observed, and (3) showed no effect on driveability and maintenance. Driver comments were also reported to be "strongly positive". The team plans to continue working with Monroe County "to convert their entire conventional gasoline fleet to E20 and will provide additional analysis on the impact of ethanol on long-term vehicle durability". The complete study is published in the Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering (URL above)..