Alternative form of gasoline is now available at Sheetz
WDBJ 7
Story by Karen Kiley
Americans are paying more than $3.50, on average, for a gallon of gasoline. In Virginia, the average gallon of gas is $3.45.
The prices have been on the rise for weeks with no end in sight. But imagine if you could pay 30 to 50 cents less per gallon. Some drivers can, and many don't even know it.
The yellow pump makes it stand out, but it's the price that will really grab your attention.
"We're going to use it as long as it’s available and as long as the price difference is significant," said Alan Moulder and his wife Charity. They bought a flex-fuel vehicle several years ago.
"I can't afford regular gas anymore. It's 30 cents different per gallon!" said Charles Hubble, who fills up with E85 everytime he's in Wytheville.
"A lot of people are really curious. They want to know if their vehicle can take it and what it is, because most people around here don't know what it is," said Sheetz assistant manager Amanda Cowley.
The Wytheville Sheetz is the first in our area to sell E85, a bio-fuel that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
"E85 is a high octane fuel, so it's like premium, but it contains less energy per gallon," said Doug Nelson, a Virginia Tech mechanical engineering professor. He uses E85 in the cars he creates for the university's EcoCAR Challenge competition every year.
Less energy per gallon, means less miles per gallon. So while it's about 30 cents cheaper than regular gas, you will likely be at the pump filling up more often.
"The cost verse the energy content is not really a pay-off," said Nelson. "So I would say most people are concerned about importing petroleum and greenhouse admissions of our society. So it's really an environmental way to do a little better with reducing your footprint and reducing the money we send overseas to oil producers."
Much of the ethanol used in E85 comes from America's cornfields, said Nelson.
But for drivers like Charity and Alan Moulder, they say the cost is worth it and the environmental benefits are a bonus.
"Time to go out, go buy yourself a flex fuel vehicle now!"
There are about 7 million flex fuel vehicle on the roads in America.
To check if yours is one, there should be a logo on the back of the car. You can also check the gas tank; a yellow nozzle or label will let you know if your car can use E85. The owner’s manual will also have the information.
