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E85 versus E10 Regular Gas

E85 versus E10 Regular Gas — Which Should You Use?

Do you own a flex fuel vehicle that takes E85?

If you own a flex fuel vehicle that can run on either E85 or E10 regular, you may wonder which fuel you should use: E85 versus E10 regular.While both fuels serve the primary purpose of powering combustion engines, there are distinct differences between them that could influence your decision. In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of E85 and regular gas to help you make an informed choice.

What is E85 fuel?

E85 is composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from crops like corn, sugarcane, and sorghum. Regular or E10 gas contains up to 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, although the exact proportions can vary based on regional regulations and formulations.

Why was E85 invented?

Ethanol is considered a renewable resource, as it is derived from plants. Using E85 can reduce the carbon footprint compared to conventional gasoline. Additionally, E85 produces fewer emissions of certain pollutants, like carbon monoxide.

Unfortunately, cultivating of crops for ethanol can lead to deforestation, increased water use, and potential negative impacts on food prices if not managed sustainably.

However, it’s not like there aren’t downside to E10 or regular gasoline. Regular gas is derived primarily from crude oil, its extraction and refinement contribute to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

E85 versus E10 regular gas and engine performance and compatibility

Some engines, particularly in performance vehicles, can benefit from the higher octane rating of E85, leading to increased horsepower. However, not all vehicles are designed to run on E85. Using it in non-compatible engines can cause damage over time.

Price of E85 gas compared to E10 regular

A gallon of E85 contains less energy than regular gasoline, leading to reduced fuel economy. So even though E85 is cheaper, you get lower MPG.

E85 is not as widely available as regular gas. Mainly found in the Midwest in the U.S., where corn production is high.

Can you use E85 after using E10 Regular gas

Yes. There’s a myth that once you run your vehicle for long periods on E10 regular gas that you should never run E85. The myth states that the high ethanol content in E85 will wash off deposits from E10 or regular gas and clog your fuel filter or injectors. This is false. You can use E85 anytime and switch back and forth if you’d like.

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

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