According to the website...
Quote:
Ethanol has less energy content than gasoline. However, E85 also has a much higher octane (ranging from 100 to 105) than gasoline. FFVs are not optimized to E85, so they experience a 10-15% drop in fuel economy. This will vary based on the way one drives, the air pressure in the tires, and additional driving conditions..
For comparison purposes, aggressive driving habits can result in a 20% loss and low tire pressure can reduce mileage by 6%. Research indicates Ford FFVs experience a 5% horsepower gain on E85. The range of any particular vehicle is dependent on the size of the fuel tank and driving habits. Current Ford Taurus FFVs have an 18-gallon fuel tank and will normally travel 350 miles between refuelings.
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It's all academic as far as I'm concerned since I don't own a vehicle on the list. However, if I did, E85 would have to be considerably cheaper than gasoline to get me to the pump. I'm all for alternative fuels, but if I have to pay just as much (or worse...considerably more) for E85 and suffer the 10-15% loss in fuel economy, then I don't see much point in using the stuff.