“In theory, all fuel-driven vehicles have a fuel economy that is directly proportional to the fuel’s energy content. In reality, there are many other variables that come in to play that affect the performance of a particular fuel in a particular engine. Ethanol contains approx. 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline, and therefore in theory, burning pure ethanol in a vehicle will result in a 34% reduction in miles per US gallon, given the same fuel economy, compared to burning pure gasoline. Since ethanol has a higher octane rating, the engine can be made more efficient by raising its compression ratio. In fact using a variable turbocharger, the compression ratio can be optimized for the fuel being used, making fuel economy almost constant for any blend. .For E10 (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline), the effect is small (~3%) when compared to conventional gasoline,and even smaller (1-2%) when compared to oxygenated and reformulated blends. However, for E85 (85% ethanol), . Actual performance may vary depending on the vehicle. Based on EPA tests for all 2006 E85 models, the average fuel economy for E85 vehicles resulted 25.56% lower than unleaded gasoline. The EPA-rated mileage of current USA flex-fuel vehicles should be considered when making price comparisons, but it must be noted that E85 is a high performance fuel, with an octane rating of about 104, and should be compared to premium. In one estimate] the US retail price for E85 ethanol is 2.62 US dollar per gallon or 3.71 dollar corrected for energy equivalency compared to a gallon of gasoline priced at 3.03 dollar. Brazilian cane ethanol (100%) is priced at 3.88 dollar against 4.91 dollar for E25 (as July 2007).” source: http://en.wikipedia.org

How does this effect you?

So you have heard that ethanol is a better value for you? Its better for a number of reasons right? Well this is not true, if you drive the average car. There are some exceptions of course, and they are: High compression engines: Ferrari, porsche, lamborghini. Turbo cars: subarus,volvos,saab. But if you drive the everyday car ethanol effects you very much. It reduces your fuel mileage and causes carbon buildup in your engine along with a few more negative effects such as noticeable power loss. So if you have a choice choose to run non ethanol fuel because it helps noone, except the manufacturer. Its not even “Greener” it still has emissions, just as gas does and the fact that its less efficient makes it actually worse.

If you have no choice but to run ethanol enriched fuel you can counteract some of the negative effects it has with the HHO Tek Platinum Gas Saver