Stephens: GM is seeking more ethanol fueling-stations in the U.S.

There are currently 2,200 ethanol fuel-station in the United States and that, according to GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens, is not enough to help cut polluting emissions or U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Stephens said that the growing output of vehicles capable or running on ethanol means nothing until fuel-stations capable of providing ethanol are greatly expanded.

He said that by the 2012 model year, half of GM’s vehicle lineup will be able to run a mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol.

“GM is spending about $100 million a year adding flex-fuel capability to our vehicles. We can’t afford to leave this capital stranded,” Stephens said. He said that adding the capability to run on E86 costs GM as much as $70 per vehicle.

GM has produced 4 million of the 7.5 million flex-fuel vehicles on U.S. roads now.

The Detroit automaker has worked with the National Governor’s Association and ethanol producers and dispensers to add 350 more ethanol-blend pumps in the United States.

– By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters