As gasoline prices continue to fluctuate, consumers are increasingly exploring alternative fuel sources, with E85 ethanol emerging as a viable option. This fuel is gaining traction due to its potential cost savings and environmental benefits.
What is E85 Ethanol?
E85 ethanol is a fuel blend composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The ethanol component is primarily produced through two methods: fermentation and distillation of starch-rich feedstocks like corn, barley, and wheat, or through extraction from trees and grasses (bio-ethanol).
Benefits of E85 Ethanol
Beyond potential cost savings, E85 ethanol is often favored for its environmental attributes. It burns cleaner than traditional gasoline, and its primary ingredient source is renewable. Furthermore, E85 ethanol can reduce dependence on imported crude oil by utilizing locally produced resources. It’s also known to increase fuel octane ratings while decreasing harmful emissions compared to gasoline.
Switching to E85 fuel in a flexible fuel vehicle reduces your gasoline consumption by 85%, significantly decreasing your carbon footprint.
Vehicle Compatibility
E85 ethanol is compatible with flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) manufactured by various automakers, including Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, and Nissan. Many other car models are also E85 compatible. Consult your car dealer to confirm your vehicle’s fuel compatibility.
How E85 Ethanol is Made
The production of E85 ethanol involves extracting sugar from biological feedstocks. In the United States, corn is the primary ingredient, while Brazil utilizes sugarcane. The starch in these crops is converted into sugar, or sugar can be extracted from cellulose found in trees and grasses.
After feedstock collection, a grinding process extracts the sugar. The sugar is then fed to microbes, which produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. The ethanol is then purified to achieve the desired consistency.
Alternatively, E85 ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, can be produced through a wet-milling process, commonly used by large-scale manufacturers to produce high-fructose corn sweetener.
E85 ethanol represents an innovative and renewable resource with numerous advantages, making it a key point of discussion for environmentally conscious consumers seeking cost-effective fuel options. While availability is still limited, with approximately 600 pumps in the United States, expansion is expected in the coming years.