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Why Ethanol

There are several reasons why E85 (85% ethanol; 15% gas) is a superior alternative to gasoline.

Cost

As oil prices reach new highs, E85 is becoming a significantly more cost effective alternative to gasoline. As the infrastructure and refining technologies of the ethanol industry advance, E85 is rapidly becoming more available and affordable.

Environment

Ethanol is a much cleaner burning fuel than gasoline, offering a significant reduction in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon tailpipe emissions. Research shows that every city and state that has switched to ethanol-blended fuel has experienced improved air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2005 alone ethanol-blended fuels reduce CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 7.8 million tons - this has the effect of removing the annual GHG emissions of more than 1 million automobiles from the road. Scientific study after study has proven ethanol’s energy balance to be positive. The latest USDA figures show that ethanol made from the drymill process provides at least 77% more energy as a fuel than the process it takes to make it.

Today, with the majority of ethanol coming from corn and sugarcane, ethanol emissions are approximately 30% cleaner than gas, that’s 30% better for the earth and better for your lungs. More importantly is the development of cellulosic refining technologies. Cellulosic technologies refine ethanol through over 500 bio-materials including switch grass, algae, and biomass. Cellulosic ethanol is the future of ethanol and is estimated to be up to 90% cleaner than gasoline. Studies show that cellulosic derived ethanol can be in mass production in as early as 2009.

Performance

There is a reason why the Indy race-car series runs exclusively on ethanol – better performance. E85 has an octane rating of 105, which gives your car more horse-power. Furthermore, engines runn cooler on E85 because ethanol has less carbon and more oxygen than gasoloine. Ethanol can help absorb moisture in a fuel system and help prevent frozen fuel lines. Ethanol is a solvent, and keeps injectors and other components cleaner than running on gas.