My van runs on regular unleaded.
There’s a new E85 station down the road. They offer E85 at $2.85/gallon.
Normally, my van gets 17/23 to the gallon.
If I had the E85 capable engine, (or do I actually need the FuelFlex engine to handle E85?) then my milage goes down to 12/16.
So, at $3.16/gallon which I filled up at yesterday morning, I would be able to fill up more cost-effectively with regular unleaded than this new E85 scam.
What’s the benefit? Less emissions? My van already has an emissions filter and is tested anually for excess emissions. (And as I found in Florida, if you pour a single bottle of isproypal alcohol into your fuel tank, you reduce your emissions for the duration of the test to be able to pass.)
Paul
I have noted that many stations cut their regular unleaded with ethanol as well. Some have it labeled as 10% ethanol; not sure if they are required to state this at the pump. I have switched to the mid-grade blend which (so far) I have never seen labeled as blended with ethanol. Result: better gas mileage.
Better value, even though the price is higher.
If only we had a free market again....
There’s a new E85 station down the road. They offer E85 at $2.85/gallon.Definitely too expensive. Based on the energy content, mileage on E85 should be about 20% lower. In fact, testing seems to put it closer to 25% lower. Even here in Minnesota, where the E85 station I drive by is selling it for $2.66/gallon, regular unleaded at $3.16 is a better economic deal. E85 would have to be more like $2.40 to be comparable. Most flex-fuel vehicles currently on the road are running on regular unleaded exclusively, because of this.
Where did you live in Florida?
There is no state emissions test, or auto inspection here at all, but there are a few localities that might still have an emissions test.
I’ve lived here since 81 and never had an emissions test or vehicle inspection at all.