Let's Start Off With Some Ethanol (E85) Facts...

Here are some indisputable facts about E85 and ethanol in general.

NOTE: These relate to cars that were specifically designed for E85 or FlexFuel use. Trying to use E85 or FlexFuel with a regular unleaded gasoline engine will cause severe issues to the engine...do not use unless vehicle is manufactured for the use of it.

The Advantages of E85

- High octane rating (about 105 oct) resulting in 5-10% increase in horsepower

- 15-25% reduction in greenhouse gas emission

- 25% lower cost

- Part throttle acceleration greatly improved

- Lower risk of CO2 poisoning

- E85 evaporates easier and cools intake charge dramatically better

The Disadvantages of E85

- Ethanol is corrosive to many materials: aluminum (fuel lines, pumps, engine internals, intake manifolds, carburettors, pistons, cylinder heads etc), thermoset plastics (epoxy/resin), natural rubber (fuel lines, seals), cork (seals), terne (tin-lead-steel alloy)

- Hydroscopic, or corrosive nature enhanced by presence of water

- Conductive of electricity (corrosion by galvanization effect)

- Cold start problems at temperatures under 50 degrees ºF (+10ºC)

- Less energy content by mass than gasoline (E85: 12,500 BTU/lb, gasoline: 19,000 BTU/lb)

- 35% more fuel needed to burn

- At least 25% reduction in mileage: theoretical 33% reduction (discrepancy because of cooling ability of fuel on lean mixtures)

Ok. Right from the very start, let me ask you this question:
If it cost 25% less money, but gives you at least a 25% reduction in mileage...
WHERE ARE THE SAVINGS?!?!?!?

So it burns hotter (higher octane) and less emissions. These seem to be the redeeming qualities. HOWEVER - the fact is it takes more energy to produce ethanol from corn than it does gasoline from crude oil, SO THERE GOES ANY GREEN HOUSE GAS SAVINGS TOO!

- Absolutely more to come, E85 is just wrong all around.