The Pros and Cons of Using E85 over Regular Gas, and How to Check if Your Car Can Use It
by Ali Hoxie (Fox 17/WXYZ) The pain at the pump is continuing for drivers as gas prices climb and climb to new records daily. Some drivers do have a different option, and that’s using E85 – flex-fuel.
E85 is an ethanol-gasoline fuel mix, usually with a ratio of 85% ethanol to 15% gasoline.
It’s sold at 320 gas stations in Michigan, and the average price for E85 in the state is $4.06 per gallon, which is more than $1 per gallon cheaper on average than normal gasoline. In metro Detroit, gas prices are even cheaper.
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In Westland, all 30 cars the police department uses are flex-fuel capable, meaning it can take E85 or gasoline.
“This is an initiative that started 10 years ago,” Westland Police Deputy Chief Kyle Dawley said. “ think it is averaging like a $1.30 less than regular fuel — so going back 30 days we have purchased about 5,000 gallons of E85, so that is $6,500 in savings just in those 30 days.”
Saving money isn’t the only upside. E85 is made from ethanol, which is derived from corn, so it’s better for the environment and makes the country less dependent on foreign entities.
The catch is that you have to have a flex-fuel vehicle. Do not fill up with E85 if you don’t have one.
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E85 does get less mileage than regular gas, however, it’s a matter of crunching the numbers, according to De Haan. He said if E85 is at a 20% discount or greater compared to gasoline, it may be worth it.
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E15 is another option for drivers and it’s more car-friendly. Any car later than 2001 should be safe to fill up, but still check the manual. READ MORE includes VIDEO
