Ethanol (E85) Flex Fuel
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Background
Ethanol is mostly used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) which are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), or a mixture of both. E85 should only be used in ethanol-capable FFVs. E85 has about 30% less energy per gallon so the fuel efficiency of a FFV running on ethanol will be 30% less than when it is running on gasoline.
How It Works
Ethanol is an alcohol made primarily from corn. Because ethanol is derived from feedstock that is grown, it is considered a renewable fuel. In addition, since the feedstock for ethanol can be domestically produced, it reduces the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
Availability
There are a wide variety of FFV's available for consumers with more coming as the number of fueling stations begins to grow. Sometimes owner's of these cars aren't even aware they are driving one.
Cost
The cost of a flex fuel vehicle is not much more than the cost of a pure gasoline car. The price of ethanol fuel fluctuates but is usually similar to the price of gasoline. When looking at prices, remember that FFVs are 30% less fuel efficient when running on ethanol, however E85 is usually priced lower to compensate for this.
Incentives
Check out the incentives search to find incentives in your region.
Fueling
The number of E85 stations has increased in the last year and continues to grow. Check out these web sites to find one near you:
- Clean Car Maps: Searchable database of EV chargers and alternative fueling stations in California, including compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum, ethanol (E85), hydrogen and biodiesel.
- U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center: A site developed by the Department of Energy that provides maps to refueling stations in the US for CNG, LPG/propane, ethanol, electric, biodiesel, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Performance
Flex fuel vehicles are similar to their conventional gasoline counterparts in power, acceleration, payload, and cruise speed. The only noticeable difference is that fuel economy is lower when FFVs run on ethanol. Many drivers aren't even aware their vehicle is an FFV. To find out if your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle, visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition web site.
Benefits
Smog forming emissions from E85-fueled FFVs are similar to those from gasoline-powered vehicles. However, since ethanol can be produced domestically it does reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Also, depending on how the ethanol is made, it can have fewer greenhouse gas emissions when you take into account the upstream emissions or emissions associated with production and transporting the fuel.
To compare the environmental benefits between cars you are shopping for, remember to look for high Global Warming and Smog Scores on the Environmental Performance Label.
Additional Resources
- California Energy Commission Alternative Fuels
- Clean Cities
- Ethanol Renewable Fuels Association web site.
- National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
- Union or Concerned Scientists
- U.S. Department of Eneryg Alternative Fuel Data Center
- U.S. Department o f Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy