As people become more aware of the
damage that has been done to our planet and to the environment, questions have
risen about what to do now to prevent further damage. E85 ethanol is the name
that a fuel consisting of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline is called
by in the United States. It’s less commonly found than E10 ethanol which is 10
percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline; most likely because vehicles with
specially designed engines (called flexible fuel vehicles) are needed to burn
E85 ethanol while E10 can be used in most existing vehicles in the U.S.
Why should a person consider purchasing a flexible fuel vehicle
and using E85 Ethanol? In addition to the benefits to the environment that are
realized because a person using E85 Ethanol is decreasing the amount of toxins
released into the air by using the much cleaner E85, it is a fuel that can (and
is) refined in the United States which lessens the country’s dependency on
foreign oil imports. E85 Ethanol is also less expensive than gasoline, usually
around 30 percent less.
Ethanol E85 is made from starchy feedstock, with corn being its
major ingredient. Since corn is already being grown at a tremendous rate in the
Midwest, it also signals prosperity for farmers. To date, there are over 600
pump stations in the United States that supply E85 Ethanol. That may not seem
like very many stations, but that is twice the number of E85 stations that were
in existence two years ago. Because of the focus being given to the environment
along with cleaner burning and renewable fuels, the number E85 pumps is expected
to rise significantly in the next few years. Currently, the Midwest has the
largest concentration of E85 pumps at about 400.
Right now, there are some states, like Florida for instance,
where E85 Ethanol is not available for sale to the public. Instead, the fuel is
reserved for purchase by Federal fleets. Fortunately, there is talk about adding
more pumps to those states that are currently without them in the near
future.
What do most people consider the biggest advantage of using
E85? It’s that E85 ethanol is better for our environment. Not only does it
reduce tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also burns clean because of
its high oxygen content. In addition, it is also biodegradable and
water-soluble. You know the smog you hate waking up to on some mornings? The
fuel can also eliminate the smog by reducing the smog-forming pollutants at
least by 15 percent.
Still, one may wonder what else sets Ethanol E85 apart from
gasoline. Well, for one thing, the fuel itself has a reputation for offering
high performance with a 100+octane rating, which rivals gasoline’s 87 octane
rating. Those who use E85 Ethanol will attest that it gives a superb performance
while also heightening horsepower.
The cost factor is also important in your decision
to choose ethanol. Today, ethanol is currently being sold at prices
approximately 35 percent lower than gasoline. But a person’s realized savings
will be a little less than 35 percent because E85 typically has a slightly lower
fuel economy than regular gasoline.
There is also a gas tax
break/exemption on Ethanol that helps keep its price lower.
Even if you do not have a flexible
fuel vehicle or have availability of E85 ethanol, seriously consider using E10
ethanol in your vehicle. E10 ethanol is widely available and is safe to use in
most vehicles. And, even though it only contains 10 percent ethanol, it still
releases fewer toxins into the air then regular gasoline making it a better
choice for the environment. And, in order to help speed up the availability of
E85 ethanol where you live, lobby your government representatives and let you
know you want E85 available to you. And, the next time you go vehicle shopping,
consider purchasing one of ever growing number of flexible fuel vehicles
available.
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