As the global search for fossil fuel alternatives intensifies, a familiar substance is gaining renewed attention — ethanol. Long used as an additive in gasoline, ethanol is now being seriously considered as a primary fuel source for heavy-duty sectors where batteries and hydrogen have struggled to deliver practical solutions, reports El adelantado.
Scientists, engineers, and equipment manufacturers are increasingly looking to ethanol as a clean, scalable, and readily available energy option. Its ability to power engines with minimal changes to existing infrastructure sets it apart in the race to reduce carbon emissions.
At Germany’s recent Agritechnica trade fair, farm equipment giant John Deere unveiled a 9.0-liter engine that runs entirely on ethanol. Built for tractors, marine engines, and industrial machinery, this engine is designed for power and endurance — exactly what sectors like agriculture and freight require.
Ethanol is already in use globally, often blended with gasoline as E10 or E85. But now, the fuel is being taken seriously as a standalone option, particularly for vehicles and equipment that need fast refueling and long run times. For instance, flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) in the U.S. — including popular models like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado — can already operate on E85. There are over 20 million such vehicles on American roads today.
In Brazil, flex-fuel cars that can run on up to 100% ethanol have been widely used since the 1970s. Sweden, meanwhile, has introduced ethanol-powered buses into public transport systems to reduce emissions.
Ethanol offers several advantages: it is produced from crops like corn and sugarcane, can be stored and transported using existing systems, and works in modified internal combustion engines. In contrast, hydrogen — while promising in theory — faces practical barriers including high production costs, difficult storage requirements, and the need for completely new infrastructure. Moreover, most hydrogen is still derived from fossil fuels.
“Ethanol is ready now,” advocates say — a clean-burning fuel that doesn’t require waiting for future technologies to mature or scale. While electric vehicles are expected to dominate in urban areas, ethanol is finding its niche in sectors that demand durability, range, and quick turnaround — like agriculture, remote transport, and heavy machinery.
As countries look for immediate and realistic ways to cut emissions, ethanol could play a vital role — particularly in regions lacking robust electric grids or hydrogen networks. The idea of tractors, ships, and even planes running on alcohol may soon shift from concept to reality.
