Hummer gets a little greener in 2009

GM's Hummer division has announced that all of the brand's models will become E85 capable by the end of 2010. First up for the E85 treatment will be the 2009 models of the H2 and H2 SUT.

GM made the announcement at a recent Texas dealership event celebrating the opening of dedicated E85 biofuel pump station -- a rare site as only about one percent of all gas stations in the nation offer the fuel. The company also pledged to double its flex-fuel vehicle production by 2010.

At the promotional event in Dallas, GM sold E85 at 85.9 cents per gallon versus the national average of $2.74 per gallon. That's one way to get people to use the fuel, which has come under scrutiny for its lack of availability, its energy-intensive refining process, and its shorter mileage to a gallon vs. regular gasoline.

But as GM loves to point out, E85, which is comprised of 85 percent ethanol derived from corn and 15 percent gasoline, is cleaner-burning and less-polluting, and has a higher octane rating of around 96 that can contribute to improved engine performance in some vehicles.

Source: GM