[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by Arminius

Just be glad you don't use E85. Consumer reports found a 27% reduction in FE in one case.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...anol_ov1_1.htm

Meh, E85 was never advertised to increase mpg Just renewable and somewhat better for emissions

E85 also provides important reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When made from corn, E85 reduces lifecycle GHG emissions (which include the energy required to grow and process corn into ethanol) by 15-20% as compared to gasoline. E85 made from cellulose can reduce emissions by around 70 percent as compared to gasoline....

However, E85 also increases emissions of acetaldehyde--a toxic pollutant. EPA is conducting additional analysis to expand our understanding of the emissions impacts of E85.

But, the 27% is pretty much in line with what the EPA has said

In general, E85 reduces fuel economy and range by about 20-30 percent, meaning an FFV will travel fewer miles on a tank of E85 than on a tank of gasoline. This is because ethanol contains less energy than gasoline. Vehicles can be designed to be optimized for E85--which would reduce or eliminate this tendency. However, no such vehicles are currently on the market. The pump price for E85 is often lower than regular gasoline; however, prices vary depending on supply and market conditions.

But, the cost versus btu's isn't favorable...

Cost of E85 (national average): $2.860
E85 MPG/BTU adjusted price: $3.763

Current National Average of gasoline (reg): $3.474

EPAE85 and Flexfuel
AAA National Average


Personally, I'm not a fan of E85/ethanol as a solution in it's current form... As an intermediate, perhaps - but the global impact isn't so very good (again, in it's current form)