I've driven my "new" chrysler sebring convertible flexfuel vehicle about 3000 miles since I obtained it. On regular gasoline (10% ethanol), it gets about 25 mpg. On E85, it gets about 20 mpg. However, the engine runs better on E85 - the idle is smoother. On gasoline, it tends to sputter when idling. E85 is approximately $0.50/gal cheaper than gasoline (I think that is the price of the government subsidy) so I spend about $5 less per tank (10 gal for ease of calculations) of gas. I get 250 miles (gas) versus 200 miles (E85). To get the same distance, I need 2.5 more gallons of E85 which is currently about $2/gal so $4, thus I actually save about $1 using E85. Is there a significant difference in greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide) emissions? Off to the
EPA Green vehicle website: On E85, there is the same air pollution (smog) but lower (yay!)greenhouse gas emission than gasoline. My 1998 chrysler sebring convertible had lower greenhouse (by half!!) but almost triple smog producing emissions.
I'm going to call this a qualified win.