Not all cars, vans or trucks are designed to run on ethanol additive gasoline (E85).

One has to consult their owner’s manual or go on line and find a web site that will report this information.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) there were approximately 600,000 vehicles in the US that are designed to use E85 fuel during the years 2003 to 2005.  The remaining millions were not.

Those that are not designed to run on E85 see a reduction in fuel economy.  For example, the mileage for my 2001 Ford Windsatr van is 24 miles per gallon (MPG) using non-ethanol fuel.  However; when using E85 (15% ethanol) the mileage is 20 MPG.

Most gas stations sell the E85 fuel for around 10 cents per gallon less then non E85 fuel.  So, are you saving any money.

Depends, if your car is designed to run on E85, yes,  if not, NO.

Here is an example:

The local Casey’s is currently charging $3.059 for non-E85 and $2.959 for E85.

If I travel 240 miles, I will use; 240 / 24 = 10 gallons, using non-E85 or 240 / 20 = 12 gallons, using E85.

12 Gallons at $2.959 = $35.51

10 Gallons at $3.059 = $30.59

A difference of $4.92. 

So it would cost me $4.92 more to use E85 to drive 240 miles. 

If I drive 24,000 miles in a year, then I am spending $492 per year more by using E85.

So much for fuel economy.