February 27, 2010
Can I Run E30 For Fuel In A Standard Gasoline Vehicle? If So, How Much Would This Save On Fuel Mileage?
We’ve all heard of E85, 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Some states currently run E10, most recently California. Minnesota passed an E20 mandate but has yet to get the ok from the EPA. I’ve heard a person gets the best mileage with E30. If so, why not mandate E30 eventually? If I were to pump 20 total gallons into my fuel tank, 13 gal. gasoline & 7 gal. E85 to make E30, adjusting the equation in states currently blending ethanol, how would that effect my vehicle mileage, engine mechanics, and performance? Is the EPA testing for E20 and E30?
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Filed under Gas Conservation FAQ by on Feb 27th, 2010. Comment. 
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Comments on Can I Run E30 For Fuel In A Standard Gasoline Vehicle? If So, How Much Would This Save On Fuel Mileage?
All vehicles are “ethanol-capable” and can use a blend of up to 10% ethanol. Since the 1980s all automakers have covered up to 10% ethanol-blended fuel by warranty, no engine modifications necessary.
If your vehicle is not an FFV, use of any percentage of ethanol higher than 10% is not covered by warranty. People have reported that they use higher percentages of ethanol in regular, unmodified vehicles. A pilot study conducted in mid-2006 suggests that up to 30% ethanol could be used in a non-flex fuel vehicle, but more research is required on this subject.
In theory, it is possible; in reality, it is difficult. A vehicle could be converted to operate on E85, but the challenge would be converting it to be a truly flexible fuel vehicle, one that could operate on any blend of fuel up to the 85% ethanol. The good news is that automakers are increasing their lineups of FFVs each model year, so whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, they are available.
The engine has to be made to take that fuel. You won’t get better mileage. It will be much worse. You only get about half the mileage from alcohol that you do from gasoline.
First you must make sure your engine will accept it. As far as I know most vehicles can only take up to 10% without major modifications. You wont get better gas mileage in fact you’ll lose some but the cost to fill up and the energy content in the fuel will be much greater than just plain gasoline so theres a big trade-off.
I only believe my own experiences. I get 23 mpg with regular (e5), and 23 mpg with e30. I notice a dropoff with e10, to 20 mpg – all observed with a 2009 Toyota Tacoma pickup.
There is a sweet spot for ethanol blends, someplace between e25 and e33. Try the mix of e85/e5 (regular gas is e5, locally) at 1:3 for resulting e25 mix, or go to blender pumps for e30.