With gas prices crossing $4 a gallon, the EPA says cheaper, more ethanol-rich fuel will ease the pain. The math doesn't really add up—but the risks sure do.
If i remember correctly, from way back in college chemistry, i learned E85 is already partially oxidized. So you are getting less energy out of the fuel. It’s a step backward, and definitely isn’t going to make anything better.
I don’t know the specific reasons, but yes, ethanol is less energy dense. The communities talking about this factually see that the loss in MPGs is pretty close to the average price difference, making it a net zero benefit.
If i remember correctly, from way back in college chemistry, i learned E85 is already partially oxidized. So you are getting less energy out of the fuel. It’s a step backward, and definitely isn’t going to make anything better.
I don’t know the specific reasons, but yes, ethanol is less energy dense. The communities talking about this factually see that the loss in MPGs is pretty close to the average price difference, making it a net zero benefit.