Corn ethanol will not only be unprofitable but impractical and downright harmful.
If E85 is used, then at 85% ethanol, the amount of energy contained is 0.85 x .67 + .15 = .57 + .15 = .72 or about 72% of the amount of energy of regular gasoline. For every 10 gallons, this means you will be getting 7.2 gallons worth of 100% gasoline energy. You end up paying more, (10 x cost)/7.2 = 1.39 or 139% the amount you would be paying for an equal amount of gasoline. Where I live, the present cost of gasoline is $3.41/gallon (regular) so if I were to use E85, I would be actually paying $3.41 x 1.39 = $4.74/gallon. If regular gasoline should go up to $5/gallon, my actual cost of E85 gallon equivalent would then be $6.95/gallon. It is a very impractical way for me the consumer to look at fuel prices.
Then, because the actual fuel costs are higher, the cost of all store items must be raised to pay for the increased transport costs. These increased food costs will be in addition to those from the cost of corn and grain being driven due to competition for agricultural land.
E85 makes no sense at all except to those who will be profiting from its sale.
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Corn ethanol will not go.
Submitted on June 9th, 2007 by InterestedReaderCorn ethanol will not only be unprofitable but impractical and downright harmful.
If E85 is used, then at 85% ethanol, the amount of energy contained is 0.85 x .67 + .15 = .57 + .15 = .72 or about 72% of the amount of energy of regular gasoline. For every 10 gallons, this means you will be getting 7.2 gallons worth of 100% gasoline energy. You end up paying more, (10 x cost)/7.2 = 1.39 or 139% the amount you would be paying for an equal amount of gasoline. Where I live, the present cost of gasoline is $3.41/gallon (regular) so if I were to use E85, I would be actually paying $3.41 x 1.39 = $4.74/gallon. If regular gasoline should go up to $5/gallon, my actual cost of E85 gallon equivalent would then be $6.95/gallon. It is a very impractical way for me the consumer to look at fuel prices.
Then, because the actual fuel costs are higher, the cost of all store items must be raised to pay for the increased transport costs. These increased food costs will be in addition to those from the cost of corn and grain being driven due to competition for agricultural land.
E85 makes no sense at all except to those who will be profiting from its sale.
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