FUEL ECONOMY COMPARISON BETWEEN “E0” AND “E10”
I’ve often been asked about the differences in fuel economy between ethanol FREE gas (E0) and 10% ethanol gas (E10) in order to compare which is more economical to use.  Some time back, I performed an analysis based of a defined set of assumptions to see how fuel economy and costs compared between these two fuels. The mileage loss on E10 are based on my own personal experience with a 2008 Mercury Sable

and based on at least four data sets.  The calculations below are fairly simple and easy to understand.  You can perform the same calculation on your vehicle if you have reasonable accurate data on economy on each fuel.  The conclusion of these calculations is that it is CHEAPER to use ethanol FREE gas rather than 10% ethanol gas if “E0″ it is available in your area.  You are NOT saving any money by buying cheaper ethanol gasoline.

“Pete”

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These calculations are intended to determine the cost comparison of “E0” vs “E10” on an average trip.

ASSUMPTIONS USED FOR CALCULATIONS:

-       Distance of trip is 200 miles

-       Vehicle gets 25 mpg on highway travel and 18 mpg around town travel on “E0”

-       “E10” mileage loss is 8% highway travel (actual determined) and 10-12% around town (actually determined  - 11% average used)

-       Cost of “E0” is $3.35/gallon

-       Cost of “E10” is $3.15/gallon (20c/gal cheaper)

-       Same vehicle is used for all calculations

CALCULATIONS – HIGHWAY DRIVING

“E0” – $3.35/gal – 200 miles/25 mpg = 8.00 gals used x $3.35/gal or $26.80 for 200 mile trip

“E10” – $3.15/gal – 200 miles/25×0.92 = 8.70 gals used x $3.15/gal or $27.40 for 200 mile trip (8% loss in fuel economy)

CONCLUSION:  Fuel cost is $27.40 – $26.80 = EO is $0.60 LESS than E10 for trip for highway driving even at $0.20/gallon more expensive than E10.



CALCULATIONS – AROUND TOWN DRIVING

“E0” – $3.35/gal – 200 miles/18 mpg = 11.11 gals used x $3.35/gal or $37.19 for 200 mile trip

“E10” – $3.15/gal – 200 miles/18mpg x0.89 = 12.48 gals used x $3.15/gal or $39.31 for 200 mile trip (11% loss in fuel economy)

CONCLUSION:  Fuel cost is $39.31 – $37.19 = EO is $2.12 LESS than E10 for trip for around town driving even at $0.20/gallon more expensive than E10.



NOTE:  I’ve performed these calculations with “E0” priced at 25c and 30c/gallon higher than “E10”.

Even after “EO” reaches $0.30/gallon higher priced than “E10”, the cost of “Highway” driving with E0  is STILL SLIGHTLY CHEAPER than with E10.  When EO reaches $0.30/gallon more expensive, then E10 becomes slightly cheaper in “Around Town” driving ($0.27 cheaper for the 200 mile around town trip than E0)  

CONCLUSION:  It is still cheaper to use ethanol FREE gas compared to “E10” up to the point where the cost of “E0” exceeds $0.30/gallon higher that ethanol gas (E10).  Higher than 30c/gal, “E10” becomes only slightly cheaper in the trip described above.

http://petelandrysrealgas.com/2012/12/fuel-economy-comparison-between-e0-and-e10/