Holden Commodore VE Series II compatible Bio E-Flex locations and pricing announced

By George Skentzos | August 26th, 2010

Holden has welcomed an announcement by Caltex of the first locations where its high-tech Bio E-Flex fuel will be made available along with official pricing.

The new ethanol-based fuel will be Holden’s recommended fuel for use in the soon to be released Holden Commodore VE Series II flex-fuel range and consists of 85 per cent ethanol, blended with 15 per cent petrol – commonly known overseas as E85.

The new fuel goes on sale from today at St Marys, Salisbury Park and Woodcroft in Adelaide, priced at 20 cents per litre below regular unleaded petrol at Caltex-operated service stations.

“We believe Bio E-Flex will be attractive to motorists who would like to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions significantly but have had limited choice in taking action,” said Caltex Manager Government Affairs & Media Frank Topham.

“Customers will be able to reduce their environmental impact at an affordable price. If petrol prices were at the same levels as experienced this year, Bio E-Flex would often be priced near $1 per litre at the bottom of the weekly price cycle.”

As Bio E-Flex is based on ethanol – a renewable fuel – it will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on traditional fossil fuels like petrol.

It is estimated that the use of ethanol as a fuel will result in 14 to 46 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions over petrol, although as it has a lower energy content than petrol vehicles using Bio E-Flex will travel fewer kilometres on a litre of fuel.

“As part of our EcoLine strategy, we have a commitment to offering our customers a broad range of vehicles that use alternative fuel or fuel-saving technologies. These solutions are designed to make motoring affordable as well as being better for the environment.” Holden’s Energy and Environment Director Richard Marshall said.

The Holden Commodore VE Series II range will be the first Australian-made cars able to run on Bio E-Flex fuel, although they can also run on E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination of these fuels.

Caltex plans to have over 30 Bio E-Flex sites in most states by the end of October, increasing to 100 outlets in 2011.

Aleks

I don’t see the point of this car. I’m not going to buy a commodore so I can save 20c a liter on fuel that will do less kilometers. What were they thinking?

Now ford on the other hand with the upcoming turbo-diesel falcons, there is a smart move. Holden never seems to give customers what they want.

Shak

Since when has Ford announced a turbo diesel Falcon? I know they have a Turbo diesel Tezza coming and the EcoBoost Falcons, but i have heard no news of this mystery TD Falcon.

TomJ

They don’t, its caradvise poster ‘knowledge’ as per usual.
Andrew M

Um Caradvice had reported on the possibility of a diesel falcon, likewise the possibility of a diesel commodore.

Personally I dont believe the Falcon nor Commodore will have a diesel donk anytime soon. When the respective manufacturers did talk it up, (and they did), I think it was to guage public reaction.

I think Ford has taken the Ecoboost line of greening, and I think its a much better option than the not so green diesel route.

I think Aleks has gotten a bit ahead of himself think a Diesel falcon is about to roll out, but dont forget that Ford had talked of it when the Diesel Terry was first announced, I think they even gave a likely date.

If Aleks wants to beat a drum about Ford having a better alternative fuel option, he should be beating the LPG Drum because that is the one truely prosperous alternative vehicle landing very soon

azza85

So with the car using more fuel per kilometre, how much does it REALLY cost on a kilometre per kilometre basis?
SCHUSS

At that price it will cost quite a bit more to run then on normal ULP. Sure the environment is a bit better of.

On the other hand diesel is cheaper to run and also better for the environment.

Holden where is that 2.9L v6 diesel you been talking about?

Matty B

Is it ? How many Diesel vehicles are in the top 100 vehicles on the green guide website ???

I’ll tell you, 0.

Diesel while being more economical, emits far more harmful gases per litre burnt than petrol.

Andrew M

Damn right there Matty,
Many people think Diesel is greener.

There is a reason Toyota doesnt want to know the stuff, it will hurt their green ratings and therefore image.

Toyota arent silly, they know they make a good case for green vehicles, and they may aswell stick to that because they cant make a case for good drivability.

Jabba the Hutt

Holden have shelved plans for a diesel Commodore SCHUSS and announced they will be looking at “other avenues” in the shorter term. Apparently Ford won’t be putting a diesel in the Falcon either and are doing similar to holden in looking at alternatives.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Holden follow Ford’s lead with a turbo 4 in the Commodore at some point. I guess they’ll wait and see how well it works for Falcon.

Holden have said now is not the right time to put up a diesel Commodore and apparently Ford have adopted a similar line. I would have thought that these two cars would be perfect for diesel. Especially when used for long hauls such as up the Hume Highway where diesels come into their own. I guess they have their reasons. I doubt a 3 or 4 grand price hike would be a deterent to buyers. Especially as it comes back at resell time.

Meanwhile a diesel territory should have been on offer from day one. It makes perfect sense in that car.

Pizza the Hutt

Unless you plan on owning and driving it for 10 or more years a diesel car makes no sense economically. The higher purchase and fuel prices take way too long to recoup through the lower fuel consumption. Some cars can take over 15 years or more to amortise the costs. There is no positive advantage in resale in the short term either, say 3-5 years. At best the depreciation is the same as the petrol powered equivalent and generally $500-1000 worse. Check the Red Book for more details. I looked into this when I last changed over my lease and I decided to stick with the petrol version purely on the basis of the dollars.

Shak

Even though we know consumption will increase, and any savings if any will be minimal the whole point of Ethanol blended fuels and biofules is to reduce our reliance on a limited and costly resource. Right now it may not be a big leap, but its a step in the right direction. Up till now very few people have taken up Holden’s LPG system so i guess they thought something new and mysterious would get consumers in the doors. And knowing how the marketing Gods at Holden PR work, this thing will make a Prius look like a V16 Quad turbo, and outsell the hell out of it.
Goodfa

Holden are a bit like the government. They give with one hand and take with the other.
From ere

Why are you lot complaining? You don’t have to use E85 if you don’t want to. That’s what is great about what Holden have done. They have at least given the consumer an option.

G

If you live in Adelaide, that is.

Frenchie

There are several service staions in Sydney and Melbourne that sell E85. United sell it and have for the last 2-3 years.
Oh there is some in Brisbane and Cairns.

This is story is just an advertisement for the VE2 commodore (e85) and Caltex. Read the article, Caltex is calling their fuel Bio E-Flex. Just look at the photo.

Don’t get me wrong, it is good they are rolling out this fuel to potential customers.

nickdl

Can’t throw my support behind Ethanol when the price of food in 3rd world countries is through the roof due to ethanol crops replacing normal food ones.

Other than that it’s pointless from a carbon emissions perspective. I can’t be bothered doing the maths but surely a more efficient petrol or diesel engine (like the EcoBoost) is better on carbon emissions anyway. Not to mention the running costs…

Shak

Im not attacking your view here, im just saying that Coskata who will produce this ethanol in conjunction with GM and Caltex have said that their anaerobic bugs along with waste cellulosic crops will make up their ethanol production, therefore not competing with any food crops.

nickdl

Ok that’s fair enough, but not all oil companies are and will be like Caltex. The price of food has risen by a huge amount in the past few years and biofuels are a big contributer in this.

Ultimately I’d rather save lives than the environment.

Jordan

Ever thought food prices are going up due to population increase? Apart from ethanol from corn in the U.S biofuels barely effect food prices.

Most of the ethanol in E10 unleaded in Australia is produced from waste and the by-products of sugar refining and not to mention that many biofuels can be produced on un-arable land.

Personally I think Holden’s move to E85 and ethanol is much smarter than the majority of other car companies obsession with electric and hybrid cars.

Good job Holden

Justin

Give us a good diesel Holden or else we will go European and get a great one

Kieran

I agree, Justin. Not sure why they can’t at the very least put a Captiva diesel engine under the bonnet… I’m assuming that if the engine can haul an SUV, it can haul a regular sedan…

Mr Pee Pee

It’s because they’re going broke and have no money for R&D.

Dave

The R & D is also going into E85 – a renewable resource (food scraps and bio-waste)

Andrew M

If they put a captiva diesel under the bonnet they will go backwards.
The aim is to get greener remember……..

Kieran

Fair call there. Didn’t do my research
Although, most comparisons that i’ve seen between a 3L petrol and 2L diesel prove the diesel to be significantly more fuel-efficient; e.g., BMW 535i 3.0L petrol 195g/km vs BMW 520d 2.0L diesel 137g/km.

Green Vehicle Guide figures for the Holdens are 233g/km for 2.0L diesel Captiva7 CX vs. 221g/km for 3.0L SIDI Commodore Berlina.

I didn’t realise the difference would be THAT huge – nearly 100g/km extra produced by captiva engine…

The other Brad

Will the flex-fuel range of holdens be the same price as the standard petrol models Or will they cost more? If they’re more than the 20c cheaper petrol isn’t all that appealing.

Accountant

every commodore will be flex fuel

Shak

i dont think they have adopted the E85 capable V8′s yet though. The current commodore V8′s are of the L99 or L98 code, and the E85 AFM V8 available in the US has a different code.

Crossy

There’s no mention here of the impact of the fuel excise on Ethanol that starts to be implemented from mid 2011(2.5cents/litre) and increases every year there after to 2015(12.5cents/litre). Currently there is no excise.
Based on that and the increased litres per km over petrol, using E85 is or will be a green choice not an economical one.
Realist

I find it sad how most people identify diesel being better for the environment. That’s great, but it’s much worse for the air we breathe.

As for this Ethanol Commodore, I expect to see petrol stations/suppliers lose financially when this exercise falls well short of expectations.

Is there any other car that currently runs on 85% Ethanol? Is anyone else wasting their time trying?

Shak

Well almost all cars in Brazil run on blends up to 100% Ethanol, and guess what, we have been sending an E85 commodore there for years. A lot of cars in the US also run on biofuels(cant remember exact figure).
JEKYL & HYDE

been to brazil lately? the day that petrol all but runs out,ethanol will still be able to be made.and guess what,there will be one old car out there that can take it.its price point will be dictated by the oil companys,and if it’s too dear,guess what,it won’t sell(about the same time a new “special” price comes out)…

Realist

Geeeze.. Do I have to be so specific to say, “in Australia”?

Shak

In that case only the obsolete SAAB 9-5 ran of bioethanol.

MartinW

Not obsolete, just the new 9-5 is not released here yet. Also the 9-3 has a BioFuel option too.

Dave

A great alternative fuel news story.

Turbo diesels are not always the answer, they are still dirty, they are turbocharged (so P platers cant drive them) sound like tractors, cost more to buy and service.

E85 is very close to being a renewable resource. Soon will be able to run Australia’s number 1 car on a sugar waste product, and all sorts of other waste products and scraps in the form of E85.

Shak

True that Australias number one can soon carry the family and be enviro friendly, but just so you know, P-platers can drive turbo diesels as the RTA somehow understands that they are not only there to do inssne speeds like the turbo in a Polo.

Damian

“E85 is very close to being a renewable resource. Soon will be able to run Australia’s number 1 car on a sugar waste product, and all sorts of other waste products and scraps in the form of E85.”

With the defining concept being “sugar WASTE product”, which Australians will still be paying potentially more than $1 per litre for. Of course, since E85 has MUCH lower energy content than the likes of E10 and 95-98 RON, an E85 Commodore will consume much more E85 than its petrol counterpart will consume E10. An E85 Commodore will most likely turn out to be a false economy, just like the 3.0 SIDI rort.
Jumbo

The V6 is the Dodge Journey is also E85 compatible I believe.

And Shak you are right in saying that P platers can drive turbo diesels.
Van Ariel Disease

Australias number one what? Worst large car on the market by a very very long way?
PROJET – L

The only good thing about this is that Saab might be be able to shift some the mountain of stock of 93′s that are set up to run on Ethanol.
On Petrol the turbo 4 gets much less power than if it runs on the E85 apparently. Dont quote me but its something like 110kw to 147kw with Ethanol.

MartinW

other way around, running on petrol produces 129kw and running on E85 produced 150kw.

PROJET – L

Thanks for the stats Martin,
however you mis-read what I said.
“On Petrol the turbo 4 gets much less power than if it runs on the E85″

MartinW

Sorry… must read more carefully!

Gilly

If people are not buying factory fitted LPG versions (48.9c/l), why the hell would they buy E85 unless there was a real incentive or no other choice?
I have used LPG in my vehicles for over a decade and it really is the laughing gas! My current dual cab ute cost around $7.00/100km to run in the city, that is the large car economy equivalent to 5.5l/100km if it was diesel or 5.9l/100km if it was petrol powered.
Direct injection LPG is even cheaper to run with no loss of power, burns even cleaner and in a large car will have the fuel cost associated with a very small petrol hatch.
When the new Ford lpg system comes out, the public should see that as a better alternative to E85!

Andrew M

Im hearing you Gilly…..

I also see LPG as a much better option.

Until now Holden have been running with a half baked set up, and Ford have still been using a system that was good in its day, but now is well and truely past its prime.

I hold high hopes for Fords new system, and cant wait to see how much effort they have put into developing it, but beyond that, how much effort they put into marketing it.

Previously people who have never tried LPG assume its availability is poor, and try to slam it because its consumption is higher.
Well I dont see how this (E85) differs, if anything its worse because it has even less outlets, and it will still cost far more to run

I really hope the new LPG set up blows all the myths out of the water and sheds some positive light on it

Dave

LPG is a great option and I am looking forward to running on LPG one day, but for those who dont want to loose their boot space the no-cost option of running on the cleaner and cheaper E85 is great for consumers.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1285962287 Declan Collins

People aren’t buying E85 enabled cars as they would buy LPG cars because every petrol Commodore will be E85 enabled. It gives the consumer the choice to buy E85 fuel or to continue using ULP, or any mix inbetween, at their own discretion.

Andrew M

An LPG Commodore has the choice to keep using ULP aswell

But since its bought as an LPG fuelled vehicle, and LPG outlets are easier to find, I doubt many people would still use much ULP.

At least when you use LPG you will see notable savings, with E85 you wont

Bundy

All I can say is good on Holden for giving it a go…someone has to be the first and take a risk on bringing new technology into this sometimes said backwards country. Who knows maybe in 10 years when oil runs out every car here will run the fuel???
Pizza the Hutt

Unless I have missed it, I can’t see any reference to the power, torque, performance or economy of the E85 Commodore. Would I be right in assuming that on E85 it would be inferior to the current models? Not that the 3.0L SIDI is anything special, as others have noted. Sound like LPG injection might be the go in preference to this.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1285962287 Declan Collins

Actually E85 will give Commodores more power and torque.

I remember reading on the LS1 forums, that a holden engineer was saying, wait until you see the low down torque E85 engines produces.

LPG liquid injection is coming as well, at least on the HSVs atm, but some people can’t get past the stigma of driving on BBQ gas.

Andrew M

Well perhaps they should change the name of LPG, because it actually isnt the same as BBQ gas.

Ive never read of any performance figures from E85, But I know for sure LPG gives better torque and down lower too

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1285962287 Declan Collins

Mate it’s an option thats there if you want it. I don’t see why you’d hate it so much.

Andrew M

Mate, I dont hate it, One thing I dislike though is the false economy of the matter.

All Im wandering is why the better alternative in LPG isnt being given a better run.

I thought Holden were about to jump on the LPG train but it seems they have shyed away from it.

There must be more government funding for new fuels rather than developing existing ones…….
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1285962287 Declan Collins

What you fail to recognise is that it is being given a run. Holden already has a dual-fuel system in place for the commodore, and HSV is about to release a liquid injection LPG system.

Granted the current LPG system in normal holden’s is neglected a bit (still has old 4 speed and less powerful 175kw engine), but I’d guarantee that Holden will introduce a Liquid Injection version over the next 1-2yrs, same as Ford.

ATM I’d argue that the return from there current LPG system hasn’t been enough to convince them to develop and spend the RND dollars on a new system.

Pizza the Hutt

Do you have any references for the power and torque? I really wouldn’t like to rely on some chatter from a Holden forum as proof. My understanding is that ethanol has less energy value per litre than ULP, like LPG, hence the higher consumption on E10. It would seem then that E85 should have higher consumption and less performance. Hence I would like to see some objective figures or some from the manufacturer.
Andrew is also correct in that autogas is not the same as BBQ propane. It is a mix of propane and butane, a few other trace gases and the odourizer ethyl mercaptan.

Perhaps the best answer could be an E85 compatability vehicle with and dual fuel LPG injection capability. You could then use whatever fuel suits your budget and application.

Frenchie

Until ULP stops cycling down near $1 per litre and diesel at a reasonably low but stable price of $1.20 somthing, everybody will just shrug this off.

If we got a carbon tax on hydrocarbons it might be a different story.

Andrew M

Dont speak of the carbon tax Frenchie, god help us if that comes to life.

There is 2 ways the government manipulates us….

They either move us round by taxing us into line with what they want us to do, or use scare tactics with such things as terrorism to get us to fall in line and accept the changes they want are for our own safety.

Shak

Why are people complaining about E85. Would you rather we had the choice or not? AT least we have a chance to sample alternatives.

Andrew M

Im not exactlly complaining Shak, Im just harping on that I feel development on LPG would be a better alternative.

I have the choice to use 91, 95, 98 or any current “E” blend fuels, but the dollars saved at the pump becomes irrelevant if you dont get the click to show for it.

I only use 98, but even though its dearer at pump time, it ends up being cheaper in the long run.

Its a matter of false economy in my mind, thats why I wouldnt be on board. Even if I did have an E85 capable vehicle, I wouldnt use it.

Wake me up when there is a real deal of an alternative

Shak

Andrew M says:
August 29, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Mate, I dont hate it, One thing I dislike though is the false economy of the matter.

All Im wandering is why the better alternative in LPG isnt being given a better run.

I thought Holden were about to jump on the LPG train but it seems they have shyed away from it.

There must be more government funding for new fuels rather than developing existing ones…….

you say you want the government to subsidise the development of new alternative fuels and not existing ones. LPG has been around for a long time now, and consumers dont seem to want it or care about it that much. So why not go down an new path and see what happens.

Luke Skyballer

Hey guys, the thing with E-85 is that it is like a renewable resource, new technonogy allows it to be made from household waste and organic waste. So if you think about it, we have about 15 years left of Petrol in the world and about 25 years max supply of LPG, but with Ethanol you will eventually be able to power your car from your household waste. It has a higher octane rating than both Unleaded Petrol and LPG and in the future is looking like a probable alternative to these near depleted fossil fuels. It is an alternative that must be looked into and explored for the coming years, not necessarily for the cost savings or the environmental benefits but because in a few decades there will be nothing else, no option of lpg or petrol, electricity prices will be through the roof, leaving alternative fuels to power vehicles of which ethanol is one of the best.
TheTruth

“PRICING ANNOUNCED”

WHERE???????