How does Ethanol stack up against Gasoline?
Ethanol is actually a higher octane fuel then gasoline and works well in internal combustion engines. As a matter of fact, the higher octane of ethanol makes it the fuel of choice for performance vehicles. However, ethanol does contain one-third less energy per gallon then gasoline resulting in reduced fuel economy. Availiability of Ethanol Ethanol is currently blended with gasoline in a couple of different ways. The first is called E10, which is 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. This application is typical when lower octane gasoline is mixed with ethanol to boost the octane to a minimum of 87, comparable to regular gasoline. The second, or most well know, is E85 which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. A number of vehicles are now available that are capable of using either E85 or gasoline. Benefits of Ethanol • Ethanol is considered a renewable energy source • The production of ethanol creates needed jobs in rural areas of the country and could help to boost the economy • The use of ethanol
