Don't think that I am one of the gas price whiners. As a matter of fact, that really gets on my nerves. End of rant.

How many of you have one of the newer E85 / Flex fuel vehicles? I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with the biggest V8 and it is E85 equipped. For those that don't know, E85 is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline.

To be honest, I am told that the E85 produces slightly higher horsepower and gets slightly better mpg.

My question: Why is E85 roughly the same price per gallon as gasoline? I mean, hey, it is only 15% gasoline. I don't think that OPEC has the Nebraska corn market cornered, do they?

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

Wait till the states remove ethanol plant subsidies. You'll be wishing for those good ole' days of gasoline!

__________________
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

No, it will run 100% gasoline. I don't have to use the E85 at all. Just figured that it would be cheaper.

__________________
1994 C280, dark green metallic
105k miles

1991 190E 2.6, Black
191,500 miles
(sold to another forum member)

2003 Chevy Tahoe LT, Redfire Metallic
105k miles

1989 Mustang GT Cobra Convertible
43k miles

Farm subsidies.

Additionally, in some states, they tax the gasoline portion at a higher rate than the ETOH so you get a back-end subsidy, too.

Dunno about HP, but it makes sense. Alcohols have lots of latent heat and pack well.

B

I believe the higher HP, as E85 effectively has a higher octane rating than any pump gas, but I remember hearing that fuel mileage is actually a little worse.