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If you'd like to
learn a little more about e85 ethanol, watch the video below. The
first part of a video is a clip of a recent speech made by U.S.
President Bush. Subsequent portions of the video explain what e85
is and how it can dramatically reduce dependency on oil.
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Some people may question whether or not it's a good idea, both economically and environmentally, to use e85 ethanol. This article discusses the benefits of e85 use.
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Why Should I Use E85 Ethanol
Dorrie Ruplinger
There are still a few people in this country who are unaware that E85 Ethanol exists and about the huge benefits it can provide for their flexible fuel engine vehicle. This fuel consists of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. It can be refined in the United States, which actually means the country does not have to depend on other countries for supply. Since the ethanol is produced locally, it is also reasonably priced. Even better, the money consumers spend for E85 Ethanol at the pumps of service stations goes back into the economy.
Ethanol E85 is made from starchy feedstock, with corn being its major ingredient. Since corn is already being grown at a tremendous rate in the Midwest, it also signals prosperity for farmers. To date, there are over 600 pump stations in the United States that supply E85 Ethanol. The Midwest alone has 400 service stations. Minnesota takes the lead with 90 pumps serving that state, while Illinois closely follows with another high E85 pump rating of 60 pumps.
Right now, there are some states, like Florida for instance, where E85 Ethanol is not available for sale to the public. Instead, the fuel is reserved for purchase by Federal fleets. Fortunately, there is talk about adding more pumps to those states that are currently without them in the near future.
Probably the biggest advantage of using Ethanol E85 is that it is safer for the environment. Not only does it reduce tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also burns clean because of its high oxygen content. In addition, it is also biodegradable and water-soluble. You know the smog you hate waking up to on some mornings? The fuel can also eliminate the smog by reducing the smog-forming pollutants at least by 15 percent.
Still, one may wonder what else sets Ethanol E85 apart from gasoline? Well, for one thing, the fuel itself has a reputation for offering high performance with a 100+octane rating, which rivals gasoline's 87- octane rating. Ethanol E85 is made for cars that have flexible fuel engines which are specially designed engines that can work efficiently with a product containing a high amount of ethanol. Those who use E85 Ethanol will attest that it gives a superb performance while also heightening horsepower by at least five percent.
The cost factor is also important in your decision to choose ethanol. Today, ethanol is currently being sold at prices approximately 35 percent lower than gasoline. Because ethanol is made in the US, a government tax exemption keeps the price from soaring. As a matter of fact, ethanol has held a steady price range for months after the Katrina hurricane fiasco in New Orleans and surrounding states.
At the time of Katrina, gasoline was scarce and the demand for a fuel alternative caused the prices for ethanol to catapult. Luckily for motorists, thanks to the Government, the tax break for this fuel is still in effect. This Government adjustment is said to be valid until 2007. So, there is no reason not to go out there and take advantage of this miracle fuel.
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What is E85
Ethanol & How is it made
Rising gasoline prices have heightened consumer awareness about E85
ethanol. These days, there is much ado about this fuel, and why
shouldn’t there be? After all, it costs close to thirty five percent
less than gasoline and is quickly becoming the preferred choice for
motorists at the pump stations. E85 ethanol is already widely used in
Sweden and pump stations in America, with states like Minnesota and
Illinois having the highest rate of E85 fuel pumps servicing motorists.
What is E 85 Ethanol?
When 15 percent of leaded gasoline is combined with eighty five percent
of ethanol, the result is the low-cost E85 ethanol fuel. Widely
available in the US, it is an alcohol-based fuel that can be produced
from employing the use of two methods. The first source of production
involves the fermenting and distilling of starch-like feedstock. They
include corn, barley, and wheat. The next method, which is referred as
bio-ethanol, involves extraction from trees and grasses.
Although the price of the Ethanol E85 may be foremost on consumer’s
minds, it also gets the nod from earth activists because it is an
environmentally friendly product. It burns clean and its key ingredient
source is renewable. Ethanol E85 also eliminates the import of crude
oil because it is locally produced and is also known for increasing the
octane rating in fuel while decreasing the harmful emissions caused by
gasoline.
Ethanol E85 will run well in flexible fuel vehicles like those
manufactured by Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu and Nissan
to name a few. But, if you don’t own a vehicle by one of the
above-mentioned manufacturers, you need not fear. Some people are not
aware that many other cars manufactured today are Ethanol E85
compatible. It is best to find out from your car dealer if you have a
flexible fuel vehicle.
How is E85 Ethanol
Made?
The method for producing Ethanol E85 is long and complex. The maker has
to first extract sugar from biological feedstock in order to begin the
process. Corn is the leading ingredient in Ethanol E85 gas. And the
starch in it can easily be converted into sugar. Sugar for this fuel can
also be extracted from cellulose, which is a sugar based ingredient
found in trees and grasses.
Once the feedstock is collected, it goes through a grinding process to
extract the sugar. Sugar fed into microbes quickly produces ethanol and
carbon dioxide, which finally endures purification stages to get the
ethanol to the right consistency.
There is another method of manufacturing Ethanol E85 oil or grain
alcohol, as it is also known, and this is through a wet-milling process.
This is also the method that large-scale manufacturers use when
producing high-fructose corn sweetener.
Ethanol E85 is an innovative and renewable resource with many positive
characteristics, making it one of the leading topics of discussion for
those looking to help the earth and looking to keep a few extra bucks in
their wallet.
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