The price of gasoline is annoying me. I realize that many of you out there are doing cartwheels of joy about the higher gas prices but I still don't like it. However, I certainly want alternative fuel options and I am excited about E85.
Wendy Wilde is a dj on Air America Minnesota. She was talking about E85 and flexible fuel vehicles recently. She doesn't own one. However, she fills her car up with 40% E85 and 60% gasoline. Good idea, I thought. This was an easy decision for me because I have a crappy 1998 Dodge neon. I don't love it all that much so it thought I could risk trying this mix. Well, I tried it last night and drove it today. It works fine. If anything, I think the engine actually sounds better!
But I am not just writing this diary about my huge decision of living life on the environmental edge, I also want to talk about E85 and people who have fuel flexible vehicles. My parents and sister both have Caravans. I know, I know. Minivan people. So I called my brother-in-law a few minutes ago and suggested E85 for the van. He says he heard it doesn't get good gas mileage. I emailed him info showing him a chart shows the money he can save by using E85 vs gasoline and this takes into consideration the slightly lower gas mileage. Here is a link to the same chart in case anyone is interested.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byfuel/FFV2000.shtml
Basically, my brother-in-law seemed resistant to the idea. I also mentioned E85 to my cousin who drives a Taurus. She wasn't interested either. She didn't even have a reason for not being interested.
Okay, they are family and I know family is put on this earth to drive us crazy. However, could they be more close-minded and resistant to change? I know what is going through there heads. "I ahve always use gasoline. It works. I am sticking to it." It is very frustrating.
Vehicle listing is below. Unfortunately, if your vehicle is not listed, your vehicle is NOT E85 compatible.
* Daimler Chrysler
* Ford
* General Motors
* Isuzu
* Mazda
* Mercedes
* Mercury
* Nissan
http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php
I would suggest going to the link above because then you can click on each of the different automakers for more info.
The car manufacturers are making cars that run on 85% ethanol. It is in gas stations right now! The American public is not paying attention.
Ethanol is certainly not going to solve all of our fuel needs but it can start to reduce our dependency on gasoline. What bothers me the most is that the vehicles are already on the road and the E85 is at the pumps. But people are so damn stuck in a routine that they are not making an effort to change.
The Daily Kos is all about change. Please make an effort to buy E85 if you drive a fuel flexible vehicle. If you know people who drive a fuel flexible vehicle, also encourage them to drive with E85 in the tank.
And I'll keep working on my family.