Ameer Randolph
E85 is a fuel that contains gasoline and up to about 85% ethanol, a renewable resource made from plant materials. It is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline, but since ethanol contains less energy per volume, FFVs (flex fuel vehicles) will get 15-27% fewer miles per gallon when fuelled with E85. E85 should only be used in FFVs, which are designed to use it. Using E85 in a non-FFV can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy Output | E85 produces more energy than gasoline |
| Fuel Required | E85 requires 19% more kg of fuel to combust the same amount of air as gasoline |
| Lean Fuel/Air Mixture | A lean mixture causes higher charge, combustion, and exhaust gas temperatures in the engine |
| Parts Compatibility | E85 can eat through rubber parts |
| Fuel Economy | E85 has a poorer fuel economy than gasoline, with a decrease in MPG of 15-27% |
| Fuel Cost | E85 is cheaper per gallon than gasoline, but might be more expensive per mile |
| Engine Compatibility | E85 should only be used in certain vehicles called flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) |
| Torque and Horsepower | E85 generates more torque and horsepower than gasoline |
| Octane Rating | E85 has an octane rating of 100+, the highest on the market |
| Engine Knocking | E85 provides higher resistance to engine knocking than gasoline |
| Emissions | E85 has fewer emissions than gasoline, resulting in cleaner air |
| Burning | E85 burns cooler and cleaner than gasoline, preventing carbon build-up and reducing ring and valve wear |
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What You'll Learn
E85 fuel pros and cons
E85 is a fuel that contains gasoline but consists of up to about 85% ethanol, a renewable resource made from plant materials such as corn, sugar cane, and grasses. It is a trending topic as a potential fuel of the future, with government subsidies and increasing demand for flex-fuel vehicles.
Pros of E85 fuel
- It is a renewable fuel, meaning it can be quickly replenished, unlike fossil fuels.
- It is derived from crops such as corn, meaning less foreign dependency on oil for fuel.
- It is a cleaner-burning fuel, reducing harmful deposits in engines and outdoor car smog.
- It has a cooling effect, as ethanol is a denatured alcohol, which creates a slight cooling effect when passing through the intake tract, leading to increased performance.
- It generates more torque and horsepower than gasoline.
- It has a higher resistance to engine knocking than gasoline.
- It is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline.
- It has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, which can yield bigger horsepower at a cooler burning temperature.
Cons of E85 fuel
- It is not as widely available as gasoline.
- It is not recommended to put E85 fuel in any vehicle other than a flex-fuel vehicle, as it can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
- It can be costly to retrofit, as vehicles produced before 1987 are not E85 compatible, and many fuel system components will need to be replaced to transform them into a flex-fuel system.
- It can be more expensive per mile as ethanol contains less energy per volume than gasoline, meaning FFVs will generally get 15-27% fewer miles per gallon when fuelled with E85.
- It can corrode fuel lines and eat rubber seals if the vehicle is not set up for it.
- It may not be suitable for cold weather due to its high ignition temperature.
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E85 fuel cost vs savings
E85 fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with the latter making up to about 85% of the mixture. It is a cheaper alternative to gasoline, but there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to use it.
Firstly, E85 is not suitable for all vehicles. It is designed for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have a specific delivery system and engine to utilise E85. Using E85 in a non-FFV can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
Secondly, E85 is not as widely available as gasoline, with fewer than 4,000 stations across the United States. This may require drivers to go out of their way to source E85 fuel.
Thirdly, while E85 is cheaper per gallon, it may be more expensive per mile due to ethanol containing less energy per volume than gasoline. FFVs will generally achieve 15-27% fewer miles per gallon when using E85, depending on the vehicle and driving habits. This means that despite the lower cost per gallon, the overall cost per mile may be higher with E85.
For example, let's consider the cost comparison provided by a user on a Cadillac CTS-V Forum. They state that gasoline costs $4.19 per gallon, while E85 costs $2.59 per gallon. To travel 100 miles, you would need 7.69 gallons of gasoline at a cost of $32.22, whereas you would need 10.38 gallons of E85 at a cost of $26.88. This results in a savings of $5.34 per 100 miles with E85. However, they also mention that the extra cost of changing the oil more frequently with E85 could eliminate any savings made on fuel.
Another factor to consider is the potential for increased maintenance costs with E85. It has been reported to wash cylinder walls and dilute oil, leading to the need for more frequent oil changes to prevent issues such as spun bearings. Additionally, E85 is more likely to clog injectors, requiring larger injectors that are ethanol-safe, and overall, it demands more upkeep and attention.
In summary, while E85 offers a cheaper price per gallon, it may not always result in overall cost savings due to reduced fuel efficiency and potential increased maintenance costs. The decision to use E85 should consider vehicle compatibility, fuel availability, and the potential impact on fuel economy and maintenance requirements.
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E85 fuel availability
E85 fuel is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is a popular alternative to gasoline due to its lower cost and reduced emissions. However, its lower energy content leads to a decrease in fuel economy.
The availability of E85 fuel varies by region, with a higher concentration of retail outlets in the Midwestern states of the US, where ethanol production is higher. In 2013, California and New York had over 80 E85 stations each, contributing to the rapid growth of E85 availability in non-ethanol-producing states. As of 2013, only New Hampshire and Alaska did not have any E85 stations.
In urban areas, E85 is typically found at larger fueling stations near highways and major intersections. In rural areas, it may be harder to come by, but truck stops and agricultural regions tend to have more E85 options.
To find E85 stations, users can utilize tools such as the E85 Gas Finder, which provides real-time locations, directions, and station details. Major gas station chains that sell E85 fuel in the US include Shell, Exxon, BP, Casey's, Sheetz, Kum & Go, and Maverik.
While the availability of E85 fuel has been increasing, it is important to note that the majority of the nation's retail motor fuel outlets do not offer E85. As of 2013, there were approximately 2,442 E85 stations out of around 156,000 retail motor fuel outlets in the US.
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E85 fuel compatibility
E85 fuel is a blend of about 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is a special type of gas that is only compatible with certain vehicles called flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). FFVs are capable of running on both ethanol-gasoline blends like E85 and regular gasoline.
You can determine if your car is compatible with this high-performance fuel by looking for markers on the outside of the car with labels such as "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85". A yellow gas cap or a yellow ring around the hole where the nozzle is inserted are also good indicators that the car can use flex fuel. If you're still unsure, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search for your car's specifications online or with your manufacturer.
E85 is not suitable for every vehicle. Putting E85 in a car not designed for flexible fuel can be harmful and may ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
E85 is a popular fuel option because it is more affordable than regular fuel and has more octanes than premium. It is also better for the environment and the engine as it is a cleaner-burning gas with fewer carbon emissions.
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E85 fuel maintenance
E85 is a fuel blend that contains up to 85% ethanol and at least 15% gasoline. It is a cheaper and more eco-friendly alternative to gasoline, but it is not suitable for all vehicles. E85 should only be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), which have a fuel delivery system and engine designed to handle the ethanol-gasoline blend. Using E85 in a non-FFV can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty.
If you own an FFV or are considering purchasing one, here are some maintenance tips for using E85 fuel:
- E85 fuel should be used regularly and not left sitting in the tank for long periods. This is because alcohol, a component of E85, is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water. Water in the fuel system can cause issues such as rusted injectors. To mitigate this, avoid letting your car sit with E85 fuel in the tank for extended periods, and consider flushing the system with gasoline before storage.
- E85 can affect rubber components in the fuel system, causing them to dissolve or degrade over time. Replace any rubber parts that come into contact with E85 fuel, such as hoses and gaskets.
- Due to the higher stoichiometric ratio of E85 compared to gasoline, FFV engines will burn more fuel to produce the same amount of power. This can lead to increased fuel consumption and potentially higher costs per mile, despite the lower price per gallon of E85.
- E85 fuel lacks the lubricating properties found in gasoline, which can cause increased wear on the electric fuel pump. Regular maintenance and inspections of the fuel pump may be necessary to ensure its longevity.
- In cold weather, engines running on E85 may be more challenging to start and may require additional time to idle properly before driving.
- The ethanol content in E85 fuel can vary by region and season, with generally more gasoline added during winter to improve starting in colder temperatures. Be mindful of these variations and their potential impact on your vehicle's performance.
- Consider investing in an ethanol sensor to monitor the fuel blend and help maintain optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
E85 is a fuel that contains gasoline and up to about 85% ethanol, a renewable resource made from plant materials.
E85 is typically cheaper than gasoline and generates more torque and horsepower. It also burns cleaner and cooler, preventing carbon build-up and resulting in less wear and tear.
E85 is not as widely available as gasoline and can result in a decrease in MPG of up to 25%. It can also corrode and clog parts if the car is not driven regularly.
E85 should only be used in certain vehicles called flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have a fuel delivery system and engine designed for it. Some cars are already compatible with E85, but for those that aren't, conversion kits are available.
