Renault Modus and Kangoo to Run on E85 Bioethanol

French automaker Renault today expanded its E85 bioethanol-fueled product lineup with two new models, namely the Modus and the new Kangoo families. Renault sees the introduction of E85 bioethanol as the best way to protect the environment without designing new engines or investing in new technologies that may cost much more than alternative energy options. The Clio Rip Curl and Megane were the first two Renault vehicle that received this feature and several others may be announced in the near future, the French company said.

“E85 bioethanol is both economical and ecological and, in addition to enjoying favorable pump prices in the majority of European countries, it reduces well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by as much as 70 per cent. Renault's E85 vehicles are flexible, too, since they are capable of running on either E85 fuel or unleaded petrol,” Renault said in a statement for the press.

The new bioethanol system required a few modifications to the aforementioned vehicles, Renault explained, with parts such as canisters, fuel pipes, fuel tanks, injection systems and combustion chambers partially modified. “Renault E85 vehicles are consequently able to run simultaneously on E85 super ethanol and premium-grade unleaded petrol, irrespective of the proportion of each, with no adverse effect on performance,” it said.

But one of the most important aspects of the new addition is that Renault managed to maintain the overall price increase of the E85 bioethanol-capable models in the 200 euros range. “This sum is recuperated after filling up just eight times since the average difference of €0.513 per litre in the tax-paid price of E85 fuel compared with 95-octane petrol represents a saving
of €25 for each full tank,” Renault explained, praising the abilities of the E85 models.

At this time, there are four E85 bioethanol products in Renault's lineup, as it follows:

• Clio Rip Curl 1.2 16V 75 E85
• Mégane 2 Estate 1.6 16V E85
• Modus and Grand Modus 1.2 16V 75 E85
• New Kangoo 1.6 16V 105 E85