According to a recent survey conducted by Luth Research, Americans are more interested in buying and using fuels with ethanol content than ever in recent years. For a variety of reasons, 73 percent of Americans would be interested in ethanol blends, as compared to 64 percent from a survey conducted last year.
Looking at the results, the 73 percent breaks down into 3 basic groups of consumers interested in ethanol fuels, with motivations ranging from environmental concerns about fuel emissions, to patriotic concerns about supporting the US economy by buying American made fuel and abating our dependence on foreign oil, to simply just trying to save a buck and buy a cheaper fuel that will also put less wear and tear on their engines than the conventional blend of fuels.
Local fuel retailers may be asking themselves, “Is that enough for me to start supplying fuels with higher ethanol content, like E85?”
According to many domestic agricultural organizations such as the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, the answer is a resounding “YES!” Many consumers own what are called “flexible fuel vehicles” and are completely unaware that the car that they drive could operate on both E85 as well as conventional gasoline. These “FFV’s” have been around since the mid-1980s, with more in production every day. Popular makers include Ford, Chrysler and Mazda.
Retailers should also know that the cost of startup for supplying E85 can be subsidized by both government and private entities. The NEVC is offering grants to retailers who promise to sell the fuel for at least 2 full years, covering the cost of “professional cleaning and testing of fueling system as well as minor upgrades to alcohol-compatible hoses, steel or plated nozzles and 1-micron dispenser filters.” More recently, a bill passed in the House Energy and Commerce Committee that will use money from fines to give $30,000 grants to retailers, encouraging them to start selling E85.
Consumers driving an FFV are encouraged to fill out a form so that local retailers will be aware of your interest if they are considering selling E85 in your area. A purchasing guide is available for consumers interested in buying an FFV. According to The Wall Street Journal, more FFV’s are on their way.
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James Amodio currently teaches physics and environmental science at Soundview Preparatory School where he has taught various physical science classes in both the Middle and Upper schools for the past 3 years. He has a B.A. in Physics and a M.A. in secondary education from Adelphi University.
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