E85 vehicles and E85 prices
 

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?

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

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

Re: E85 vehicles and E85 prices
 

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

Re: E85 vehicles and E85 prices
 

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.