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PaleMelanesian · 09-21-2009, 05:02 PM

The epa ratings for E85 and Gas on flex-fuel vehicles very closely match the theoretical loss due to the lower energy content of ethanol. Following that same math for E10, you get a 3% reduction.

Example: 2009 Ford Crown Vic
Gas: 16 city / 24 highway
E85: 12 city / 17 highway

GASOLINE lower heating value: 116,090 BTU/gal
ETHANOL lower heating value: 76,330 BTU/gal
E85 = 82,294 BTU/gal
82,294 / 116,090 = 70.9%

16 mpg * 70.9% = 11.34 mpg
24 mpg * 70.9% = 17.0 mpg

09-21-2009, 05:02 PM	#18 (permalink)
PaleMelanesian Hypermiler Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,321 PaleCivic (retired) - '96 Honda Civic DX Sedan 90 day: 69.2 mpg (US) PaleFit - '09 Honda Fit Sport Team Honda Wagons 90 day: 44.06 mpg (US) Thanks: 611 Thanked 433 Times in 283 Posts	The epa ratings for E85 and Gas on flex-fuel vehicles very closely match the theoretical loss due to the lower energy content of ethanol. Following that same math for E10, you get a 3% reduction. Example: 2009 Ford Crown Vic Gas: 16 city / 24 highway E85: 12 city / 17 highway GASOLINE lower heating value: 116,090 BTU/gal ETHANOL lower heating value: 76,330 BTU/gal E85 = 82,294 BTU/gal 82,294 / 116,090 = 70.9% 16 mpg * 70.9% = 11.34 mpg 24 mpg * 70.9% = 17.0 mpg __________________ 11-mile commute: 100 mpg - - - Tank: 90.2 mpg / 1191 miles Last edited by PaleMelanesian; 09-21-2009 at 05:09 PM..