Every time gas prices begin to surge you hear the people coming out of the woodworks screaming that we must lessen our dependency on foreign oil. This has lead to some pretty innovative alternative fuels, but there is one that is already fully developed and at many gas stations across the country. E85, which is an “Ethanol Flex Fuel” has indeed made its way to many of the filling stations in America but the idea of using this alternative energy has not really taken a hold of the people; at least not yet.
Ethanol is a fuel that is alcohol based and is mainly derived from fermenting and distilling crops such as corn that are starchy and renewable. It is estimated that one acre of corn can yield about 330 gallons of combustible ethanol.
E85 is called a “Flex Fuel” because it a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent regular gasoline. Not all vehicles can take this mixture and to date only handful of various car models have produced with engines that will accept this type of fuel (GM has the most). You may have seen them as they usually sport an emblem on the back of them that say “Flex Fuel.”
Most gasoline grades do contain some ethanol but not usually more than ten percent. For this reason the Government has been offering fuel stations a tax credit if they install the E85 Flex Fuel pumps at their stations. While some have taken advantage some simply feel there is not enough demand for it.
Those in favor of the Flex Fuel are quick to point out its pros. Because E85 is comprised mostly of a renewable fuel source that could be produced right here in the states then it would stand to reason that the increase in popularity of the fuel would make for more jobs on the home front. It would also help us to reach the goal that we have all supposedly been wanting for the past several decades which is to decrease our dependency on oil from a foreign source.
But with those who will yell about the good, there are those who will yell about the bad as well. While it does in fact burn more efficiently in its fuel state as opposed to regular gasoline the catch 22 is in the production of the E85. The bunging of fossil fuels while the ethanol is in production is significant and more than makes up for the savings while driving. Additionally, because the fuel is made of crops such as corn then corn will be used at a much greater clip. The end result will be anything that is made with corn (which is a lot of products) going through the roof as far as price is concerned.
So the there is good and there is bad and both sided have valid arguments. However, if filling stations keep adding the E85 pumps to the lineup and the Flex Fuel idea begins to catch on with more manufacturers and more vehicle models it may just became a way of life whether you like it or not.
But the fact that the fuel does offer a significant reduction in use of foreign oil is a point that all Americans should consider before you say yeah or nah on the subject. While it may not be the perfect solution, America really does need to start weaning itself off of oil and this seems as though it may be a good first step.
