the football is not the only specialty where Brazil shines on the international scene. More discreet, biofuels are also a national specificity. In 2019, the country was even the second largest producer in the world behind the United States. With essentially local consumption, biofuel powers a large part of the country’s car fleet. Manufacturers have adapted to this national specificity with cars designed specifically for this energy.
Present on the Brazilian market, Jaguar Land Rover markets several models compatible with E85, the trade name of this biofuel. Quite naturally, the manufacturer deployed these vehicles on the French market when, in 2009, its teams identified development potential. Today, the English brand markets three flexfuel models in France: the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Evoque and the Jaguar E-Pace.
Adopting a light hybridization architecture, the powertrain combines a 200 hp petrol engine with an active electric unit during the start-up and acceleration phases. “With this technology, we are offering an alternative to plug-in hybrid models, explains Fabien Noel, Corporate Sales Director of Jaguar Land Rover France. E85 superethanol requires engine preparation, reinforced seals, a tank made of specific material capable of withstanding this more corrosive gasoline and the addition of a computer to recognize gasoline and biofuel. »
Two out of three orders
Today, of the three Jaguar Land Rover models with an E85 version, this energy mobilizes one in three sales. An advantage in this period of shortage of raw materials and semiconductors, flexfuel vehicles are available more quickly, France being the only European country where the manufacturer offers this technology. Another advantage is that flexfuel models sell well on the second-hand market, with residual values close to those of plug-in hybrids, despite a lower purchase price.
Ford has also been investing in this market since the launch of its Kuga Flexifuel in 2009. In September 2021, the American manufacturer launched six models on the French market. The success is there, since the E85 versions of its vehicles represented two out of three of its orders during the last quarter of 2021.
The consumption analysis confirms the enthusiasm for this more economical fuel and presented as being more respectful of the environment by its promoters. In 2021, sales of superethanol E85 increased by 33%, compared to an increase of 4% in 2020. As of December 31, 2,725 stations had pumps offering E85, i.e. 30% of the national network. In addition to vehicles that are compatible from the factory, specific units can be installed as aftermarket. The approved manufacturers are four in number and cover twelve categories of vehicles.
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