Alternative Fuel (E85) Performance/Economics/ Quality/Usage

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Alternative Fuel (E85) Performance/Economics/ Quality/Usage

B. Frost / C. Hutchinson / K. Kittrell

Federal regulations have encouraged the movement for fleet management to embrace environmental concerns and be a part of the solution. MoDOT has proactively taken strides towards being environmentally responsible in the way they do business. The most significant contribution has been the acquisition of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). Maximizing the impact of such an investment becomes the challenge of the fleet managers and the goal of leadership. This study provides an overview of the E85 product to reveal performance experience of FFVs fueled with E85 as well as the potential environmental benefits. Applying these findings to the FFV fleet within the Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT) fleet offers decision makers quantifiable measures to be considered during policy development. The implications of E85 use presented in this study lay the foundation for strategic fleet management. Factors like fuel efficiency estimates, expected engine performance and maintenance, potential to reduce oil consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, fuel cost considerations and E85 fuel accessibility are all available to assist MoDOT in their future efforts to determine the appropriate policies to guide fleet operations. Balancing the cost benefit of using E85 versus gasoline may not be a statewide evaluation but rather a consideration of the individual district FFV fleets or even FFV models. This study offers the tools, including policies and best practices currently in place in other states and best practices, to assist MoDOT in making these decisions.