Economic Considerations for Using Ethanol-Free Gasoline

The debate around using ethanol-free gasoline has gained prominence in recent years, especially with the increasing usage of blended fuels. While the benefits of ethanol-blended gasoline are often touted for certain engines, it is crucial to evaluate the economic and environmental aspects of its use. This article explores the economic considerations and environmental impact of choosing ethanol-free gasoline over blended fuels.

Understanding Ethanol-Blended Gasoline

When discussing the advantages and disadvantages of ethanol-blended gasoline, it's important to understand the specific scenarios where it performs optimally. Ethanol, as a component in gasoline blends, primarily serves engines designed for higher alcohol content, such as engines that can run on E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is known for its high octane rating, which can be beneficial for these engines.

Environmental and Health Concerns

There are significant environmental and health concerns associated with ethanol-blended gasoline. One of the major pollutants found in the exhaust of vehicles running on ethanol gasoline is acetaldehyde, which is classified as a neurotoxin. From an environmental standpoint, this makes it less favorable to add ethanol to petrol, especially if the grains used for fermentation are of high grade quality for human and animal consumption.

Use in Specific Engines

For small carbureted engines, the advantages of ethanol-free gasoline become more apparent. These engines, commonly found in tools like weed-whackers, power-washers, and lawn mowers, can benefit significantly from the absence of ethanol, which is highly corrosive to certain metals. This makes ethanol-free gasoline a better choice for maintaining the longevity and reliability of these machines.

Economic Factors

In most areas, especially in the United States, ethanol-free gasoline is more expensive than blended fuels, which typically contain 10% ethanol. While some studies suggest a slight improvement in fuel economy with ethanol-free gasoline, the benefit is often not substantial enough to justify the higher cost. For instance, in a personal study, the author observed up to a 5% improvement in fuel economy with ethanol-free gasoline in an older truck and car, but this improvement comes at a cost that is 15-20% higher.

Personal Experimentation

If you're considering switching to ethanol-free gasoline, it is highly recommended to conduct a personal experiment. By filling your vehicle to the top each time and closely tracking your fuel economy over several weeks, you can gather reliable data and make an informed decision. This method is essential because the average results take time to manifest.

In contrast, the use of ethanol-free gasoline in small power tools like lawn mowers and chainsaws is particularly crucial. The corrosive nature of ethanol can lead to significant wear and tear over time, reducing the dependability and lifespan of these tools. Using ethanol-free gasoline can significantly extend the life of these machines, especially for long-term use.

Conclusion

The choice between ethanol-free gasoline and blended fuels should be based on a thorough understanding of the specific needs of the engine and the long-term economic benefits. While the economic advantages may not be overtly apparent, the maintenance benefits and environmental concerns make ethanol-free gasoline a valuable option in certain circumstances.