Ameer Randolph
Flex fuel, also known as E85, is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that can be used in flex-fuel vehicles as well as regular gasoline vehicles. As of 2014, the price of flex fuel was about $1 less per gallon than regular gasoline, with the national average price at $2.77 per gallon compared to $3.54 per gallon for regular gasoline. While flex fuel is cheaper per gallon, it is important to note that vehicles typically get fewer miles per gallon when using flex fuel due to the lower energy content of ethanol. This means that filling up with flex fuel may not always be the most cost-effective option, depending on the vehicle's fuel economy. In Miami, Florida, the price of gasoline is generally lower than in other major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Jose, Costa Rica. However, it is unclear what the specific price of flex fuel is in Miami, as it can vary by location and over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flex-fuel price in 2014 | $2.35 to $2.70 per gallon |
| National average price in 2014 | $2.77 per gallon |
| Average price of a gallon of gas in 2014 | $3.54 per gallon |
| Miles per gallon with flex fuel for a 2014 Ford Focus | 28 |
| Miles per gallon with gas for a 2014 Ford Focus | 40 |
| Percentage reduction in miles per gallon with flex fuel | 30% |
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What You'll Learn
Flex fuel is around $1 less per gallon than regular gasoline
As of 2014, flex fuel was around $1 less per gallon than regular gasoline. Flex fuel, or E85, is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that can be used in vehicles designed to run on it, as well as those using regular gasoline. The national average price of E85 was $2.77 per gallon, while the average price of a gallon of gas was about $3.54.
While flex fuel is cheaper per gallon, it is important to consider that vehicles using E85 get fewer miles per gallon due to ethanol containing less energy. For example, a 2014 Ford Focus gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway with gas but only 28 miles per gallon with E85. This means that, despite the lower price per gallon, the overall savings may be reduced or wiped out due to the need to fill up more frequently.
The decision to use flex fuel or regular gasoline depends on various factors, including the vehicle's miles per gallon estimate for each type of fuel and the price difference between the two fuels. In some cases, the lower price of flex fuel may not compensate for the reduction in miles per gallon. However, for vehicles with a smaller difference in miles per gallon between gasoline and E85, flex fuel may still be the more cost-effective option.
It is worth noting that the price of gasoline can vary by location, and Miami, Florida, is no exception. While the price of gas in Miami is unknown, it is 9% more expensive than in Tucson, Arizona, 6% more expensive than in Tallahassee, Florida, and 8% more expensive than in St. Petersburg, Florida. These variations in price across different locations can impact the overall cost-effectiveness of choosing flex fuel or regular gasoline.
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E85 (flex fuel) is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline
E85, also known as flex fuel, is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbons by volume. The exact ratio of ethanol to gasoline may vary, with the allowable ethanol content in E85 ranging from 51% to 83%. E85 is becoming more common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, where corn is a major crop and the primary source material for ethanol-fuel production. The use of E85 is also prevalent in countries like Australia and Brazil, where FFVs (flexible-fuel vehicles) are designed to run on any mixture of gasoline or ethanol up to 85% ethanol.
E85 is used in engines modified to accept higher concentrations of ethanol. It is burned or combusted in the cylinders, similar to the combustion process of a vehicle running on regular gasoline. However, not all vehicles are designed to handle the increased ethanol content in E85. FFVs have sensors to detect the ethanol amount and make necessary adjustments. The higher ethanol levels in E85 can be corrosive to plastics and metals, so FFVs use different materials in their fuel systems to prevent damage.
E85 is often sourced from fermented plant sugars, mainly corn and sugarcane, or waste cellulose from wood processing or agricultural activities. Using locally produced ethanol reduces dependence on foreign petroleum sources and provides benefits to farmers and industries supplying ethanol. E85 has a higher octane rating than gasoline, making it more resistant to engine knock or premature fuel detonation in the combustion chambers. This allows for more power to be coaxed from vehicles with flex-fuel engines.
While E85 has advantages, critics argue that it has a lower heating value compared to gasoline, impacting fuel mileage. Additionally, E85 may not be widely available at all stations, regions, or times of the year, limiting a complete switch from standard gasoline. E85 also faces challenges in cold climates, as ethanol has a lower heating value, making it difficult to start engines without modifications or adjustments to the ethanol content. Despite these considerations, government subsidies and the growing infrastructure for E85 retail sale, particularly in corn-growing states, continue to promote its use.
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Flex fuel vehicles are marked by a yellow gas cap
Flex fuel vehicles are those that can run on a combination of gasoline and up to 83% ethanol. This mixture is called E85. Flex fuel vehicles are marked by a yellow gas cap and a badge with the words "flex fuel vehicle" or "E85". The yellow gas cap is a simple way to identify whether a vehicle is flex fuel capable. This marking is standard across different vehicle manufacturers, including Buick, Cadillac, and Chevy. For example, to verify if a Buick vehicle is a flex-fuel vehicle, you can check for a yellow fuel cap, a sticker on the fuel door, badging on the rear of the vehicle, or obtain the VIN number and contact the Buick Customer Assistance Center.
Chrysler also designates flexible fuel vehicles with the last letter of the 12-character Test Group Name posted on the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label, found under the hood. The Test Group Name is located on the right of the label, just below the engine size. Look for "Group: XXXXXXX.XXXX" and then check if the last letter falls within the letter groups on the right. Additionally, 2008 and newer vehicles will typically have a yellow fuel cap and a badge.
It is important to determine whether a vehicle is designed to handle flex fuel before filling up with E85. Flex fuel vehicles have a second-generation on-board diagnostics computer system (OBD-II) that detects the type of fuel being used and adjusts the engine accordingly. This allows flex fuel vehicles to run on a combination of gasoline and ethanol. However, using the wrong type of fuel in a vehicle not designed for it can cause issues and damage.
The owner's manual of a vehicle is also a reliable source of information to confirm if a vehicle is E85 compatible. It will indicate if the vehicle is a flex fuel vehicle and provide details on the specific fuel requirements and capabilities. This information can be crucial in ensuring the proper use and care of the vehicle. In addition to the owner's manual, the fuel door and fuel cap can provide visual cues, such as a yellow fuel cap or a sticker indicating E85 compatibility.
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Flex fuel prices vary across the US
For example, gas prices in some states tend to be higher than in others. This is due to a variety of factors, including taxes, the cost of crude oil, and the blend of gasoline required by environmental regulations. In addition, gas prices can vary within a state, with rural areas often having lower prices than urban areas due to lower taxes and transportation costs.
Another factor that can affect the price of gas is the time of year. Gas prices tend to be higher during the summer months, when demand is typically higher, and lower in the winter, when people tend to drive less. Holidays and other events can also impact gas prices, as demand may increase or decrease accordingly.
It is worth noting that the price of flex fuel can also vary within a city. For instance, gas stations located near highways or in more convenient locations may charge a premium for their fuel. On the other hand, gas stations that are independently owned or located in less convenient areas may offer lower prices to attract customers.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the variability in flex fuel prices across the US and to use tools like GasBuddy to find the best prices and plan your trips accordingly. By taking advantage of real-time price information and reviews, you can make informed decisions about where and when to fuel up, ultimately saving money and ensuring a smooth journey.
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Gasoline prices in Miami are lower than in Seattle and Los Angeles
In contrast, Seattle and Los Angeles are part of the West Coast region, which has historically had the nation's highest gasoline prices for two decades. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, the West Coast, including California, has limited interconnections with other major refining centers, increasing transportation costs. Secondly, California, which includes Los Angeles, has a unique blend of gasoline with additional additives to reduce air pollutants. This specialized gasoline is produced by relatively few refineries and is subject to stringent regulations, driving up production costs.
Additionally, California's tax on gasoline is higher than in most other states, further contributing to higher prices in Los Angeles. Seattle also faces similar challenges with higher taxes and limited refining capacity. Moreover, the West Coast region, including Seattle, experienced refinery outages and the impact of attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities in 2019, causing prices to surge above $4.00 per gallon.
The Gulf Coast region, which does not include Miami, Seattle, or Los Angeles, tends to have the lowest gasoline prices in the country due to its high refining capacity and proximity to supply sources. Conversely, the Rocky Mountains region has higher prices due to geographically dispersed demand centers and significant transportation distances.
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