what is the energy content of e85 ethanol

How much ethanol can be consumed in E85?

priced at parity with E10 at all stations for an entire year, then about 700 million gallons of ethanol would be consumed in E85 with the 45,000 gallons per month sales limit. Parity pricing would result in about 1.65 billion gallons in ethanol sales without the sales limit.

Is ethanol (E85) good or bad?

One of the bad things that happens with ethanol is that your mileage will actually decrease. The New York Times stated that E10 gasoline, which is the gas we use in America, actually gives you 2-3 miles per gallon less than gasoline. E85 is a flex-fuel with 85% ethanol loses 7-8 miles per gallon.

What happens if you mix E85 ethanol with diesel fuel?

You're begging for a myriad of problems. Adding E85 to Diesel fuel hurts the Cetane rating of the fuel and can cause excessive fuel pump wear. Adding Diesel to gasoline or E85 dramatically lowers the Octane rating of the net mixture. So don’t mix fuels! If not designed to use ethanol then it destroys rubber seals.

Is E85 better than cheap gasoline?

In the US, E-85 is cheaper than conventional gasoline by quite a bit. This is because fuel ethanol isn’t taxed as heavily as gasoline derived from petroleum. You do not get better gas mileage, in fact you get considerably worse fuel economy. Ethanol has about 30% less energy content than gasoline does.

What is the energy content of ethanol?

The energy content of ethanol is lower than that of gasoline. The heating value of ethanol is around 27 MJ/kg, in volumetric terms around 21 MJ/l, which is only 65% of the volumetric energy content of gasoline. This leads to higher volumetric fuel consumption with ethanol compared to gasoline.

Does E85 have more energy?

Fuel Economy and Performance For example, E85 that contains 83% ethanol content has about 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline (the impact to fuel economy lessens as ethanol content decreases). Engines in gasoline vehicles, including flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), are optimized for gasoline.

Is E85 clean energy?

Another major way E85 saves you money is the fact that it burns a lot cleaner than regular gasoline. It even cleans the engine, fuel lines, and exhaust system. By doing that, E85 helps keep your engine in good health.

How much energy is in a liter of ethanol?

1: Ethanol requires more energy to make than it yields. False. Argonne National Laboratory research has shown that corn ethanol delivers a positive energy balance of 8.8 megajoules per liter.

Does E85 make more power than 93?

With use of E85 ethanol and appropriate tuning, we saw a net gain of 64 WHP & 38 WTQ over 93 octane gasoline! The gains do not stop there either, E85 enables the limits to be pushed to levels typically only seen with race gas!

Why E85 makes more power?

E85 fuel can give you a significant boost in power and torque without breaking the bank for racing fuels. It has a base octane rating of 105 and has the bonus of added cooling properties that add even more knock resistance than racing fuels with the same rating.

Why is E85 less efficient?

The drop in fuel economy is because ethanol has lower energy content per gallon than gasoline. E85 also burns faster than regular gasoline because it vaporizes faster. So your engine may eat through E85 faster than regular gasoline.

Is E85 better than regular gas?

E85 has higher octane than regular gasoline. This means that E85 is a lot better for your car's engine than regular gasoline. It is also a cleaner fuel with lesser harmful emissions. On the downside, E85 burns faster and produces lesser energy than gasoline.

How much less efficient is E85?

Using the current average E85 and gas prices, you'd pay about 10 cents per mile with E85 but about 9 cents per mile with gas (fuel price divided by miles per gallon with that fuel). To frame it another way, you'd pay 21.5% less per gallon for E85, but your miles per gallon would be reduced by 30%.

How do you calculate the energy content of fuel?

0:362:04How to calculate energy content of a fuel - Year 12 Chemistry - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the energy is equal to the mass. Times the specific heat capacity of water which is 4.18. TimesMoreSo the energy is equal to the mass. Times the specific heat capacity of water which is 4.18. Times our temperature change and you can see here the temperature change was 3.5 degrees celsius.

Does ethanol have more energy than gasoline?

Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, to varying degrees, depending on the volume percentage of ethanol in the blend. Denatured ethanol (98% ethanol) contains about 30% less energy than gasoline per gallon.

What is the most energy dense fuel?

The highest energy density fuel is hydrogen, which is also the simplest chemical component in existence. Gasoline, which is derived from refining crude oil, contains much more energy than coal (twice the lower grade bituminous) or wood (three times).

What is E85 fuel?

E85 (or flex fuel) is a term that refers to high-level ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season (see Fuel Propertiesand E85 Flex Fuel Specification). It can be used in flexible fuel vehicles(FFVs), which are available from domestic and foreign automakers.

Is E85 better than gasoline?

Depending on the actual ethanol content, E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline to varying degrees (the impact on fuel economy lessens as the ethanol content decreases).

What is E85 fuel?

E85 (Flex Fuel) E85, also called flex fuel, is an ethanol-gasoline blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. Summer blends tend to have more ethanol while winter blends have less. 4 E85 can be used in FFVs, which are specially designed to run on gasoline, E85, or any mixture of the two.

How much ethanol is in gasoline?

Most of the gasoline sold in the U.S. contains up to 10% ethanol—the amount varies by region. All automakers approve blends up to E10 in their gasoline vehicles. As of 2011, EPA began allowing the use of E15 in model year 2001 and newer gasoline vehicles. 2 Pumps dispensing E15 must be labeled (see example).

What is the lower bound of ethanol?

The lower bound (15% mpg decrease) is based on the difference in the energy content of a 51% ethanol blend and that of gasoline, which is typically 10% ethanol.

What is ethanol made of?

Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced alcohol fuel made from plant material, such as corn, sugar cane, or grasses. Using ethanol can reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ethanol fuel use in the U.S. has increased dramatically from about 1.7 billion gallons in 2001 to about 14.5 billion in 2019. 1.

Is E85 cheaper than gasoline?

The cost of E85 relative to gasoline or E10 can vary due to location and fluctuations in energy markets. E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline but slightly more expensive per mile. Performance. Drivers should notice no performance loss when using E85.

What percentage of ethanol is in E85?

While it’s called E85, the actual fuel specification allows ethanol content to vary anywhere from 51 per cent to 85 per cent. Particularly in colder regions, the gasoline percentage is increased to help increase the fuel’s volatility which aids cold weather starting. While it’s great to have a car that starts when there’s snow on the ground, if your engine is tuned for 85 per cent ethanol and all of a sudden you have a tank with 51 per cent ethanol, your tune will be off the mark with potentially dangerous results.

What is E85 fuel?

What is E85? What is E85? Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll probably know that E85 is a fuel containing 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline. E85 continues to increase in popularity on the merits of sustainability and reduced emissions when compared to pump gasoline.

How much horsepower does a M150 have?

We did some testing on our turbocharged Toyota 86 and optimising the tune in the MoTeC M150 ECU netted an increase in power from the 198kW (265 hp) the car made on pump gas to 267kW (358hp) at the rear wheels. Even with the high 12.5:1 compression of the FA20 engine, E85 allowed us to increase the boost from 7.0psi to 9.5 psi with no detonation. The only thing stopping us going further was the stock internals and a little mechanical sympathy.

How much air to fuel E85?

Unless you have a Flex Fuel capable vehicle, the answer is no. Normal gasoline has a stoichiometric air fuel ratio of 14.7:1, while E85 is 9.8:1. ‘Stoichiometric’ is a chemical term that refers to the required ratio of fuel and air for complete combustion. Again, if you failed chemistry this means that on pump gas we need 14.7 parts air to mix with one part fuel. On E85 however, we now mix one part fuel to 9.8 parts air. So on E85 the air/fuel ratio needs to be significantly richer, which means it contains a larger volume of fuel. To achieve this we need to inject around 35 per cent more fuel to mix with the same volume of air when we switch from gasoline to E85. In short, your car needs to be tuned to run correctly on E85.

How much air does an E85 pump need?

Again, if you failed chemistry this means that on pump gas we need 14.7 parts air to mix with one part fuel. On E85 however, we now mix one part fuel to 9.8 parts air. So on E85 the air/fuel ratio needs to be significantly richer, which means it contains a larger volume of fuel.

What is octane rating?

Octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s ability to withstand detonation or knock. Too much boost or too much ignition advance can lead to detonation on pump fuels and hence the fuel’s octane rating often limits the power we can make. Increase the octane rating though and we can often make more power.

What does E85 do to an engine?

In plain English this means that when E85 is injected into the engine, it goes through a phase change from liquid to gas and during this process it absorbs a lot of heat from the intake charge. A colder intake charge is denser and improves power, but also has the effect of making the engine less prone to detonation.

What is E85 fuel?

E85 is a blend of gasoline and denatured ethanol containing up to 85 percent ethanol and is the highest ethanol fuel blend available in the market. E85 can only be used in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) which are specifically designed to run on this fuel or any gasoline or ethanol blend ranging from E0 to E85.

Is E85 fuel available at fueling pumps?

Much like diesel fuel, E85 is available at specially-marked fueling pumps. Expanding use of E85 as a vehicle fuel would increase use of renewable fuel and reduce dependence on imported oil.

What is E85 gas?

E85 gas (also known as flex fuel) is a high-level combination of ethanol and gasoline that consists of 51 percent to 83 percent ethanol blended with gasoline. The percentage of ethanol depends on the geographical location and time of the year. E85 gas (also known as flex fuel) is a high-level combination ...

What is the percentage of ethanol in gasoline?

The number informs consumers of the percentage of ethanol contained in the blend. Regular gasoline sold in the U.S. usually contains up to 10 percent ethanol. A federal mandate limits the amount of 100-percent gasoline on the market.

What fuel is used in motor racing?

In Austalia, E85 is the preferred fuel among motor racing clubs and sports car enthusiasts. The motor racing industry has always preferred ethanol- or methanol-based fuels because these fuels tend to give performance vehicles more thermal efficiency and increased torque.

What is ethanol made of?

Ethanol is an alcohol fuel derived from several different plant materials, including corn, sugar cane, or various grasses. It is a renewable resource that is produced domestically rather than imported. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the use of ethanol can lead to less dependence on oil and a reduction in greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Along with E85, other blends of ethanol and gasoline include E10 and E15. The number informs consumers of the percentage of ethanol contained in the blend.

What is the difference between E100 and E85?

Fuel sold as E100 is always 100 percent ethanol, while fuel sold as E85 always contains 85 percent ethanol. Using a guaranteed fraction of ethanol makes it easier for a vehicle to reach peak performance and fuel economy. In Austalia, E85 is the preferred fuel among motor racing clubs and sports car enthusiasts.

How does E85 help the economy?

In an advanced engine, E85 can improve the engine's fuel consumption. In the United States, the government has tried to encourage the production and sale of E85 by providing subsidies, particularly to corn producers in the Midwest.

Why do Brazil gas stations sell ethanol?

Because of Brazil's relatively warmer climate, gas stations in that country can sell pure ethanol. Flex-fuel vehicles in Brazil run on E100 as opposed to the E85 that is for sale in most parts of the world. Fuel sold as E100 is always 100 percent ethanol, while fuel sold as E85 always contains 85 percent ethanol. Using a guaranteed fraction of ethanol makes it easier for a vehicle to reach peak performance and fuel economy.

What is the chemical formla for ethanol?

The chemical formla for ethanol is CH 3 CH 2 OH. Its low freezing point made it useful as the fluid in thermometers and for antifreeze in automobile radiators. It is a useful a solvent for making perfumes, paints, lacquer, and explosives. But ethanol is often used to make alcoholic beverages.

Why is ethanol used in gasoline?

When the alcohol is used with gasoline it improves combustion and reduces carbon monoxide emissions. Energy density is the amount of energy per mass.

How is ethanol made?

Ethanol as a fuel is produced by fermenting materials that contain starch from grains like corn, potatoes and sugarcanes. Currently in the United States, about 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol are produced each year. Ethanol use has increased because it is both biodegradable and renewable.

Is ethanol a fuel?

Some ethanol is not intended for drinking. Ethanol can be used as an automotive fuel by itself or mixed with gasoline to form gasohol.

Why is E85 used in the air?

E85 is often heralded as a way to reduce air pollution. Since increasing concerns about global warming have focused attention on greenhouse gases, we decided to track our carbon emissions during this test.

What car has E85 in it?

Nearby, a man was pumping E85 into a brand-new Chevrolet Avalanche, complete with flex-fuel vehicle badges. It was a good opportunity to get some man-on-the-street reactions.

How much worse is Tahoe on E85?

The fuel economy of our Tahoe on E85 under these conditions was 26.5 percent worse than it was on gas.

What is Edmunds' article on ethanol?

This article compares the costs, performance and efficiency of gasoline and ethanol. Together with other articles published as part of Edmunds' ongoing coverage of alternative fuels and advanced technology, this piece will help consumers understand the costs and benefits — both financial and environmental — of the choices becoming available to them. See also "Fueling Up With Ethanol" and the Fuel Economy Center.

How many gallons of E85 fuel did we use in the San Diego to Las Vegas trip?

From San Diego to Las Vegas and back we used 50 gallons of E85 and achieved an average fuel economy of 13.5 mpg.

Does Flamingo stop have E85?

The Flamingo Stop fuel station offered E85 out of the same nozzle from which gasoline is dispensed. We wondered if unsuspecting motorists had accidentally refueled with E85, intending to get gas. Unlike the diesel nozzle, which is a different size to prevent just such mishaps, the gas/E85 nozzle was one and the same.

Does E85 have a lower fuel economy?

Since E85 delivers lower fuel economy, we took some extra E85 with us in case we ran out.

What is the EPA's fuel efficiency label?

This label, which states the vehicle's estimated fuel efficiency, is required to be displayed on all light-duty vehicles currently in production. Each year the EPA releases a list of manufacturers and their efficiency rating. If domestic or foreign manufacturers do not meet EPA standards, though, they will incur a tariff upon import or a hefty fine for domestic sales.

How to measure fuel energy?

The most common method for gauging fuel energy comparisons of measurement is the Gasoline Gallon Equivalents , illustrated in the chart below which compares the BTU generated per unit of alternative fuel to the output of gasoline, measuring it out in a gallon equivalent.

How many kilowatts is a gallon of gas?

As illustrated in the chart above, the EPA determined each gallon of gasoline approximates to roughly 33.56 kilowatt-hours of power.