Rajan Wilcox
E85 fuel is a mix of ethanol and gasoline, typically with 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. In Michigan, E85 fuel is sold at 320 gas stations, with the average price being $4.06 per gallon, which is over $1 cheaper than normal gasoline. The price of E85 fuel is influenced by the cost of ethanol production and the price of crude oil, and it has been increasingly price-competitive with gasoline in the Midwest, including Michigan. The Yellow Hose campaign has been promoting the consumption of E85 fuel, which is better for the environment and can lead to cost savings for drivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| E85 fuel price in Michigan | $4.06 per gallon |
| Number of gas stations in Michigan that sell E85 | 320 |
| Number of gas stations in Michigan that participate in the Yellow Hose campaign | 29 |
| E85 fuel price at some gas stations in Michigan | $2.59 |
| E85 fuel price in Metro Detroit | Cheaper than the state average |
| E85 fuel price in Westland | Unknown, but used by the police department |
| E85 fuel price compared to regular gasoline | More than $1 per gallon cheaper on average |
| E85 fuel price compared to regular gasoline in some cases | $1.30 less than regular fuel |
| E85 fuel price compared to gasoline in some parts of the Midwest | Close to price parity |
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What You'll Learn
E85 fuel is cheaper in Michigan than regular gasoline
E85 fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with a typical ratio of 85% ethanol to 15% gasoline. While it is true that E85 fuel provides less mileage per gallon than regular gasoline, it is often significantly cheaper per gallon. This means that, despite the lower mileage, E85 can be a cost-effective alternative to gasoline.
In Michigan, E85 fuel is, on average, over $1 per gallon cheaper than regular gasoline. For example, in June 2022, the average price for E85 in Michigan was $4.06 per gallon, while regular gasoline prices were listed at $6.39 per gallon in Allen Park and $6.49 in Romulus. This price difference is even more pronounced in metro Detroit, where fuel prices tend to be lower.
The price of E85 fuel is influenced by the cost of ethanol production, which is driven by the price of ethanol feedstock, mainly corn. Additionally, the price of crude oil, which affects gasoline prices, also plays a role in determining E85 prices. The higher the discount of E85 compared to gasoline, the more attractive it becomes as an alternative fuel option.
The Yellow Hose campaign has been instrumental in promoting the consumption of E85 fuel. By helping drivers locate gas stations that offer E85 for at least $1 less than the current gasoline price, the campaign has made it more convenient for consumers to take advantage of the cost savings offered by E85. As of June 2022, there were 29 participating stations in Michigan.
While E85 fuel offers economic benefits, it is important to note that it is only suitable for flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol blends. Before filling up with E85, drivers should consult their vehicle's manual to ensure compatibility.
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$28.69 $30.39
E85 is an ethanol-gasoline fuel mix
E85 is an abbreviation typically referring to an ethanol fuel blend of 85% ethanol fuel and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbons by volume. In the United States, the exact ratio of fuel ethanol to hydrocarbon may vary, with the allowable ethanol content in E85 ranging from 51% to 83%. This variation is due to the lower heating value of neat ethanol, which can make it challenging to start engines in cold climates. The blend ratio is adjusted to address this issue, with the addition of gasoline fractions helping to facilitate engine starting in colder temperatures.
E85 fuel is designed for use in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are equipped to handle higher concentrations of ethanol. These vehicles can run on any mixture of gasoline or ethanol up to 85% ethanol. FFVs have the ability to detect the presence of ethanol in the fuel and adjust accordingly, ensuring compatibility with various blends. While E85 is generally cheaper than regular gasoline, it has a lower energy content, which can result in reduced fuel efficiency and higher costs per mile. However, recent declines in E85 prices have made it increasingly price-competitive with regular gasoline in some regions, particularly in the Midwest, where most U.S. ethanol is produced.
The pricing of E85 is influenced by ethanol production costs, which are driven by the price of ethanol feedstock, mainly corn, and the cost of crude oil, which affects gasoline prices. The production of E85 also generates more renewable fuel credits (RINs) compared to the standard E10 blend, further enhancing its price competitiveness. Additionally, E85 has a higher octane rating than regular or premium gasoline, allowing it to be used in higher-compression engines that produce more power.
While E85 has faced criticism for its lower heating value compared to gasoline, proponents argue that automotive manufacturers have not fully optimised their designs to take advantage of ethanol-based fuel blends. They claim that ethanol engines based on diesel engine design parameters can achieve superior fuel efficiency and power output. The environmental benefits of E85 are also a subject of debate, with some consumers choosing it for political or environmental reasons despite the potential for increased costs.
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E85 gets less mileage than regular gasoline
E85 is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with up to 85% ethanol content. It is a sustainable, American-made fuel, produced domestically from corn biomass, plant materials, and other renewable sources. The use of E85 is beneficial for the environment and engine health, as it burns cooler and cleaner than regular gasoline, reducing the risk of carbon fouling and carbon deposits.
However, one of the drawbacks of using E85 is that it generally results in lower mileage than regular gasoline. The reason for this is that ethanol has lower energy content per gallon than gasoline. As a result, E85 may provide up to 25% less energy per gallon than regular gasoline, leading to a corresponding decrease in fuel economy. Most people report a reduction in fuel economy of 15% to 25% when using E85. For example, a motorist in a Chevrolet Avalanche reported achieving 18 miles per gallon with gasoline but only 12 miles per gallon with E85.
The loss in mileage can vary depending on the actual ethanol content of the fuel, as the higher the ethanol content, the lower the mileage. Federal regulations specify that E85 must contain between 51% and 85% ethanol, and some stations sell E85 with less ethanol and more gasoline content. Therefore, choosing E85 fuel with a lower ethanol content can help mitigate the decrease in mileage.
Despite the lower mileage, E85 can still be a cost-effective option due to its typically lower price compared to regular gasoline. The production of E85 generates more renewable fuel credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which are passed along through a price discount, making E85 more competitive in pricing. Additionally, E85 is taxed less heavily than gasoline. As a result, even with a 25% reduction in mileage, using E85 can still lead to fuel cost savings of about 7%.
In summary, while E85 may provide less mileage than regular gasoline due to its lower energy content, its environmental benefits, positive impact on engine health, and potential for cost savings make it an attractive alternative fuel option, particularly for those with flex-fuel vehicles.
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E85 is better for the environment
E85 fuel prices in Michigan vary, with some stations selling it for $2.59. The retail price of E85 fuel, which is gasoline blended with up to 85% ethanol, has fallen in recent months.
There are several reasons why E85 is considered better for the environment than non-ethanol fuel blends. Firstly, it has a smaller overall carbon footprint and burns cleaner than traditional gasoline. The ethanol in E85 is a domestically produced renewable resource made from corn or other biological materials. The use of ethanol results in reduced tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and fine particulates that irritate the lungs. Additionally, ethanol production yields useful byproducts like distillers' grains, which can be used as high-protein cattle feed.
However, some argue that the process of producing E85 is environmentally detrimental and negates any benefits. For example, corn is a common feedstock for ethanol production, and growing corn for fuel can lead to higher prices for this staple food crop. Additionally, the energy used to manufacture ethanol may be greater than the energy it produces. In "flex-fuel" vehicles, E85 may also increase ozone-related issues, asthma, and hospitalizations. Furthermore, the use of corn for ethanol has been linked to declining bee populations, which could have catastrophic implications for many agricultural crops that depend on bee pollination.
Despite these concerns, some people have been using E85 in their vehicles for many years without any issues. They argue that E85 makes engines run cooler and cleaner, and there is no evidence that it is hard on engines. Additionally, in some regions, the production of ethanol can be grid-positive. For example, in Brazil, they use the sugary by-products from molasses production to produce ethanol, and their warm climate allows them to use 100% ethanol.
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E85 is more cost-effective for longer trips
E85 fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with ethanol making up between 51% and 85% of the composition. While E85 is often cheaper per gallon than regular gasoline, it also has a lower energy content, which means that consumers may end up paying more per mile. However, in some cases, E85 can be more cost-effective for longer trips.
In Michigan, the price of E85 fuel varies but is generally cheaper than regular gasoline. For example, as of July 2025, some gas stations in Michigan were selling E85 fuel for $2.59 per gallon. In comparison, regular gasoline prices at the same stations were reported to be around $2.89 per gallon. This price difference is not uncommon, as E85 fuel prices have been falling in recent months and are often lower than regular gasoline prices in the Midwest, where most of the U.S.'s ethanol is produced.
While E85 typically provides lower mileage per gallon than regular gasoline, this difference can sometimes be mitigated by choosing E85 fuel with a higher gasoline content or by blending gasoline and E85. Additionally, E85 can improve fuel economy by cleaning the engine, fuel lines, fuel injectors, valves, and exhaust system, reducing the need for maintenance and keeping your engine in good shape.
For example, let's consider a vehicle that gets 13 miles per gallon on regular gasoline and 9-10 miles per gallon on E85. To travel 100 miles with regular gasoline, you would need 7.69 gallons at a cost of $32.22 (assuming a gasoline price of $4.19 per gallon). With E85, you would need 10.38 gallons at a cost of $26.88 (assuming an E85 price of $2.59 per gallon). This results in a savings of $5.34 per 100 miles with E85. Over a longer trip of 10,000 miles, the savings would add up to $534.
However, it is important to consider the potential increase in maintenance costs with E85 due to more frequent oil changes. Additionally, the availability of E85 fuel stations may be more limited, with only about 2% of retail stations nationwide offering E85 fuel, mostly in the Midwest.
In summary, while E85 may provide lower mileage per gallon than regular gasoline, the cost savings per gallon and the potential for improved fuel economy through engine cleaning can make it a more cost-effective option for longer trips, especially with vehicles that have flex-fuel capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The average price of E85 fuel in Michigan is $4.06 per gallon.
E85 fuel is increasingly price-competitive with gasoline in Michigan and other parts of the Midwest. The price of E85 fuel relative to gasoline depends on ethanol production costs and the price of crude oil. In recent months, the retail price of E85 fuel has fallen, and it can be found for at least $1 per gallon cheaper than gasoline.
The Yellow Hose campaign is designed to help drivers find gas stations that sell E85 fuel for at least $1 under the current gasoline price. There are currently 29 stations in Michigan that participate in the campaign. You can visit www.yellowhose.com to find the nearest station.
E85 fuel is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, usually with a ratio of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
E85 fuel is derived from corn, so it is better for the environment and makes the country less dependent on foreign entities. It also tends to be cheaper than regular gasoline and reduces engine knock due to its higher octane level.
