Ethanol based cars fights back for lime light against Hybrid cars
By Mike Ferro
Hybrid cars much like the Prius have been the talk of the town for a while, from celebrities to politicians advocating it. However recently ethanol based cars called flex-fuel vehicles have been trying to fight for some lime light in the eco-friendly arena.
Actually you maybe driving a flex-fuel vehicle, or know someone that is without you or them realizing it. GM has been introducing flex-fuel vehicles into their lineup which take regular teir 2 gasoline, or up to E85, which is an ethanol and unleaded mixture (approx. 85%). Ethanol which is derived from corn is considered a much cleaner and eco-friendly alternative to regular gasoline.
However ethanol is considered about 30% less efficient than unleaded, but many argue the few cent savings plus the environmentally friendly alternative is worth it.
Many consumers have ignored Ethanol altogether even though they may own a flex-fuel vehicle because of it’s reduced efficiency in mpg, and lack of gas stations that carry E85. Just doing a quick search in my area there are only 14 stations within a 50 mile radius with the nearest station being 10 miles away.
Given this data, one could easily make the choice to go hybrid instead with vehicles capable of up to 60 mpg while being eco-friendly. Which is exactly what has happened. Ethanol has been out of political favor, as well as being blamed for the high gas prices as it is now. The theory many believe why gas prices are so high is due to oil companies raising prices to indirectly raise price of food, basically causing corn to increase in price. This battle between the ethanol backers and oil backers could go on, while making us the consumers suffer in the meantime.
However as of late there has been a push by several politicians to bring ethanol to political favor with recent announcement from Republican candidate senator John McCain who voiced his support for ethanol in contrast to the republican parties nonchalance historically. KMEG recently reported Republican senator John Thune also recently announced he will be introducing a new bill which would allow consumers to claim $1000 in tax credits.
The ethanol advocates also point out using ethanol also supports the American farmer as well. With all of these facts presented which route as the consumer would you choose?
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