In France, global oil, gas, and energy major Total S.A. has redoubled its efforts to make the high-blend ethanol fuel Superéthanol-E85 available to motorists nationwide through its service station network. As of December 31, 2020, the Total station network now has more than 750 service stations offering E85 making it the largest distribution network of E85 in France.
Total had already doubled its distribution capacity at the end of 2019, from 270 service stations to more than 500. In order to meet the growing demand for Superéthanol-E85, Total has continued to deploy E85 pumps at its service stations throughout 2020 and will continue to do so during 2021.
Bringing energy that is ever more affordable and more environmentally friendly to our customers is at the heart of our business. Total wants to accelerate the development of E85 and will continue this effort in 2021, in order to give as many people as possible access to this low carbon fuel at an attractive price, commented Guillaume Larroque, President of Total Marketing France.
According to Total, its Superéthanol-E85 contains 60 to 85 percent ethanol and is primarily produced in France. Produced from sugarbeet, corn, or wheat the ethanol has a low carbon footprint over the entire product life cycle while supporting French agriculture.
The rise in demand is attributed to an attractive price per litre thanks to favourable taxation enabling “flexifuel” motorists to save up to 40 percent on fuel costs compared to gasoline. Apart from dedicated FlexFuel vehicles, the vast majority of the French gasoline-powered auto fleet can be converted to flexifuel with an approved conversion.
With our 750 Total stations now offering E85, spread across the whole of France, we are supporting the energy transition of our motorist customers, said Guillaume Larroque.
