E85 can be good in some cases. However, due to the fact that it is an alcohol, there are some inherent risks that people need to be aware of. First off, as an alcohol it is hygroscopic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopy), meaning that it has a natural affinity to absorb water out of the surrounding atmosphere. That means if E85 is left for a prolonged period of time (5 or more days) there will begin to be phase separation (water sitting on top of the fuel) and subsequent corrosion. This can be catastrophic for older vehicles with carburetors or newer vehicles without the proper fuel lines or gas tank.
There are also inconsistencies with E85 that the government regulatory body has set, that can also be VERY detrimental if being used for performance applications. That being that E85 doesn’t always been 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The truth is that 85% alcohol is the MAX, and the sad fact that a lot of consumers don’t know is that there is also a minimum that the minimum required for this “E85”, as of June 2011, that fuel only needs to have 51% ethanol.
“ASTM D5798-11 Standard Specification for Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines”we see that the 85 in E85 signifies amaximumethanol content of 85% with the remainder being“unleaded gasoline, gasoline blendstocks for oxygenate blending (BOB), natural gasoline, or other hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range.”
These inconsistencies in ethanol content and subsequent octane levels, coupled with a inevitable phase separation and the fact that E85 is 30% less efficient from a fuel mileage standpoint, our engineers don’t see it is a viable solution.
The reason why we have to put Street Legal vs Not Street Legal is pertaining to the concentration of certain active ingredients (doesn’t contain lead) that the EPA deems not legal for on road use only, when blended above 103 octane.
I've got quite a bit of knowledge about fuel types and their implications, so let's dive in.
Regarding E85, it's a blend of ethanol and gasoline, often touted as an eco-friendly alternative due to its higher ethanol content. However, its hygroscopic nature is a key concern. Ethanol's affinity for absorbing water from the environment can cause phase separation, leading to water settling in the fuel and potentially causing corrosion. This phenomenon is especially risky for older vehicles with carburetors or newer ones not equipped with appropriate fuel lines or tanks to handle this separation.
One crucial point that's often overlooked is the inconsistency in E85's ethanol content. While it's labeled as 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, the reality is different. The minimum ethanol content required for E85, mandated since June 2011, is just 51%. This inconsistency affects not only the fuel's ethanol content but also its octane levels, posing challenges, especially for performance-driven applications. The ASTM D5798-11 Standard Specification for Ethanol Fuel Blends for Flexible-Fuel Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines stipulates the maximum ethanol content as 85%, with the rest composed of various gasoline-related components.
Moreover, E85's inefficiency in fuel mileage, around 30% less efficient compared to regular gasoline, is a critical factor. Combining this reduced efficiency with the ethanol content variations and inevitable phase separation, it becomes less appealing, especially to engineers evaluating it as a viable solution.
The distinction between "Street Legal" and "Not Street Legal" in fuel categories, particularly in the context of octane ratings, is tied to the concentration of certain active ingredients. Blends exceeding 103 octane often contain ingredients that the EPA deems unsuitable for on-road use, hence the classification as "Not Street Legal." This distinction is crucial for compliance with environmental regulations and road safety standards.
So, in essence, while E85 might seem promising as an eco-friendly fuel option, its inherent risks, inconsistencies in ethanol content, reduced efficiency, and regulatory considerations make it a less favorable choice for many scenarios, especially those demanding high performance or reliability in vehicle operation.
