We're hearing more and more (and more) about E85 ethanol. So … what's the buzz?

E85 is a motor fuel that is a blend of 15 percent unleaded petrol and 85 percent ethanol. In Australia, ethanol is mostly made from sugar cane that is not suited for human consumption. Ethanol can be made from virtually any starch. It's a new alternative to 90 to 100% petrol.


Better for the Environment:

Ethanol is water soluble, nontoxic, and biodegradable. Proponents of E85 emphasise that it burns nearly 30 percent cleaner than petrol. Vehicles running on E85 emit about the same amount of nitrogen oxides, the same or lower levels of hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon, and less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.


Better for Australia:

Ethanol is produced from our domestic crops, boosting the Australian economy and finally moving us toward energy independence. It’s also arguable that E85 will actually encourage the growth of more crops, which absorb CO2.


Costs Much Less than Petrol:

This week, I bought E85 for $1.05 / litre. The lowest price of petrol at my station was $1.64 / litre. That's a 36% saving. This has been roughly the average savings for years now, in forward thinking countries like Sweden where E85 is very popular.


It's so Easy:

Most vehicles can run on E85, when fitted with a very affordable, flex-fuel conversion kit. These kits enable vehicles to run on any blend of petrol and ethanol (up to 85 percent ethanol), as well as on straight petrol. Flex-fuel conversion kits work like a charm when properly installed -- so make sure you have a good mechanic install yours. After 9 or 10 fill ups, the kit has paid for itself. From there on, it's straight savings.


How’s the Fuel Economy?

One litre of E85 contains 27 percent less energy than petrol -- thus, your kms per litre will be reduced roughly proportionally. But… E85 is high-octane (an octane rating of 100 to 105, compared to 87 for standard petrol), so you can cruise with the best of them -- Ford found that their vehicles' power typically increased by 5 percent, running on E85 rather than petrol.


Finally, we can DO something to lower our fuel costs!

Let's face it: we can't do anything about preventing rising petrol prices. As individuals, we can't increase their supply in OPEC nations, nor settle the new tensions in the Middle East -- the two greatest factors behind the world’s soaring petrol prices.

What we can do is switch to E85, and enjoy the savings with a smile!


So what are you waiting for?

How much higher do petrol prices need to rise before you switch over? Come join the winners' circle. You’ll be smiling too.