Brazil's Alcohol-Powered Car

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Our test drive in an alcohol-powered Chevy sedan — despite our eager anticipation — proved rather unexciting. . . not through any fault of the car, but because the excursion was virtually no different from a spin in any conventional automobile. And if it hadn't been for the slight, sweet odor noticeable at the rear bumper, we'd never have known we were operating a renewable-fuel-powered vehicle! The only drawback of such cars seems to be that they use about 15 to 20% more fuel than their gasoline-powered counterparts . . . though this increased consumption is offset by the fact that Brazilian ethanol is about 30% less expensive than is the petroleum derivative. On the positive side as well, the fledgling autos boast standard warranties and maintenance schedules, and initial vehicle costs are in line with conventional cars.

AND TO THE FUTURE?

Naturally, the Brazilian government is doing all it can — by monitoring alcohol quality and offering reduced licensing taxes and easy credit terms — to promote the purchase and use of the new models. But responsibility still falls on the manufacturers to improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions (which, though already far below the levels spewed out by gasoline engines in that country, still concern a growing number of ecology-conscious Brazilians).

In the meantime, don't be surprised if you start to hear a lot more in the coming months about what's being done in South America (and perhaps what should be done in North America!) to ease the energy crunch!fs

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