Without new technical tests, the government's measure violates the legislation and generates strong resistance from the industry due to mechanical risks and economic damage
The entities linked to mobility and production of automobiles and motorcycles decided to clash head-on against an absurdity: the government’s already confirmed intention to raise the ethanol blend in gasoline from 30% to 32% without carrying out prior tests.
President Lula even stated that the tests have already been carried out. Lie. What happened was that the tests for the 30% level used the percentage of 32% only as a margin of tolerance. It is basic: if the objective now is to set the standard at 32%, the new validation tests must be carried out with 34% ethanol to ensure the same technical safety.
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The resistance is widespread. Anfavea (association of automakers), the auto parts sector and Abeifa (association of importers) have already formally expressed themselves against this increase. Meanwhile, the silence of the CNT (National Transport Confederation), which should be defending those who pay the bill at the pump, draws attention.
However, the most forceful and objective manifestation came from Abraciclo, an entity that represents motorcycle manufacturers, which contests the idea of pushing this new content “down our throats”.
Abraciclo is clear: the increase to 30% of ethanol in gasoline has already brought serious failures. In the case of motorcycles, the problems are much more pronounced than in cars. Among the main defects reported are:
In addition to the physical risk, there is the economic risk. What about international trade? Brazil exports to Europe and vice versa, but there ethanol varies between 5% and 10%. If our motorcycles are not compatible with the global standard, the national industry will have to invest fortunes to develop “special” models just to meet European gasoline. This raises costs, makes the final product more expensive and makes exports unfeasible – harming competitiveness.
There is also a question of legal liability. If a motorcycle has a defect caused by excess alcohol in the fuel, for which it was not designed, the factory ends up being unfairly held responsible for a problem caused by the fuel.
It is important to reinforce: Abraciclo is not against biofuel. On the contrary, there is strict support for ethanol. What is not accepted is the absence of durability, drivability and compatibility tests of components.
Increasing the content without these tests is not only technical imprudence, it is illegal. The Law of the Fuel of the Future is crystal clear: the increase in the ethanol content in gasoline (or biodiesel in diesel) can only occur through tests that prove technical feasibility. Without testing, there is no increase. It’s that simple.
Instead of increasing the content of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline, the federal government should encourage – through some kind of subsidy, in addition to campaigns – the use of hydrous ethanol as fuel, since 80% of the Brazilian fleet is flex, but only 30% of these cars are fueled with biofuel.
