The Unveiling Of BRP/Evinrude’s Biobutanol
During test rides at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show, BRP and Evinrude have showcased their alternative fuel, biobutanol. A promising second-generation biofuel, biobutanol is the result of four years of collaboration by Evinrude engineers with the NMMA and the engine and boat manufacturers who helped in testing. At the show, boaters were able to test how the fuel works to help create interest and demand for biobutanol, according to Jeff Wasil, the Engineering Manager in Emissions Testing, Certification and Regulatory Development for BRP-Evinrude.
“Consumers and industry representatives’ reactions were overwhelmingly positive,” Jeff says. “Hundreds of boaters at the Miami Boat Show experienced the same performance from the biobutanol-powered Evinrude E-TEC G2 as they would have from an engine powered by conventional gasoline blends.”
The availability of biobutanol fuels at marinas and boat fueling stations is predicted to take time, but sharing the marine industry research on biobutanol fuels will be necessary to set up a market and the adoption of biobutanol. Evinrude is confident with the future, however. Wasil points out, “Our collaborative industry work on biobutanol fuel blends is a testament to proactive leadership in biofuel research and the advancement of environmentally sustainable boating.”
Nailing The NMMA 2015 Innovation Award At Miami
BRP was also awarded the NMMA 2015 Innovation Award at the show for its Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboard engine technology in recognition of the outstanding improvements in power and performance, breakthrough design, and lifetime value. These engines range from 200 hp to 300 hp and show 20% more torque, up to 15% better fuel efficiency and up to 75% fewer total regulated emissions than competitor four-stroke engines. “The Evinrude E-TEC G2 is BRP’s first ‘clean sheet of paper’ engine since acquiring Evinrude in 2001,” said Alain Villemure, Vice President and General Manager of Evinrude’s Marine Propulsion Systems division.
“The Evinrude E-TEC G2 is one of the biggest innovation leaps forward in recent years for the marine industry,” Villemure said. “Everything was done with the consumer in mind, from i-Trim technology to clean rigging to Dynamic Power Steering.”
Villemure explains that Evinrude has maintained complete focus on the consumer boating experience throughout the years of research and development backing this global release. “We are honored to receive this prestigious award. It’s a true testament to the innovation that we’ve achieved with this new technology,” said Villemure.
