E85 at 5 percent share after two years, even at stations that carry it: education is key, say marketers

In Indiana, staff at Crystal Flash in Carmel say that after more than two years, E85 sales represent only 4-5 percent of fuel sales at the location. Marketing management for the retailer say that promotions by groups such as the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council are essential to educate consumers about the cost and environmental benefits of E10 and E85.

Researchers are indicating that E85 can achieve the same or better fuel economy than conventional gasoline with cars featuring high compression engine (between 11 and 14:1), a $32 spark plug upgrade, a $55 change in air filters and a fuel filter replacement. “Believe it or not, high-compression engines of the late ’60s, with compression ratios up to 12.5:1, had higher thermal efficiencies that many of today’s engines,” says tprmag.com.

Compressions were lowered beginning in 1971 when lead was removed from gasoline. Lower octane fuels such as unleaded gasoline experience knocking and produce excess smog at high compression levels, but 105-octane rated ethanol achieves its best results at 60s style compression ratios. Aside from wasting up to 20% in fuel costs for drivers, reduced fuel economy is one of the primary barriers to entry for E85.

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