Offering Ethanol-Free Gas Could Get You Some Very Loyal Customers
Ethanol has long been a controversial topic in the auto fuel world, mainly because of its increasing presence in the national gasoline supply and the backlash that quickly formed. Ethanol blends are likely not going away, but that doesn't mean that ethanol-free gas doesn't have any place in a gas station. In fact, because of how many older cars do better without ethanol in their tanks, there's a definite need for ethanol-free gas and a definite customer base that could react very positively to your station selling gas that does not contain ethanol.
Older Cars and Ethanol Blends
Ethanol blends contain a form of alcohol, and this alcohol can be fairly corrosive compared to plain gasoline. As the ethanol-blend gas runs through your engine, all of the parts along the path the gas takes get exposed to that alcohol content. The more alcohol there is, the greater the risk of corrosion and engine damage. Much of the gas sold in the U.S. today is called E10, meaning it's 10 percent ethanol mixed with 90 percent gas, and cars can generally run OK on that, albeit with slightly lower mileage. But many states are trying to switch to E15, which is 15 percent alcohol content. That content is large enough that some automakers, including Toyota, have said their older cars can't run well on E15 and shouldn't use gas that has an ethanol rating higher than E10.
Why Ethanol Blends Are Increasingly Common
These blends are becoming more common, however, because there is so much corn available for fuel manufacturing. Ethanol is derived from corn, and there is a strong lobby supporting the increased use of ethanol. Governments also like ethanol because of its perceived environmental friendliness, though if it results in more car parts having to be replaced and discarded, that's not really going to help.
Choice Is Better
Because not everyone drives a later-model car that can handle E15, nor can they go out and buy a car that can handle it, giving drivers a choice when they stop at your station to fill up is best. You can have separate pumps for ethanol-free gas, flex-fuel (this is an ethanol blend that's a stunning 85 percent ethanol), diesel, and more. Over time, you'll see which fuels are used most and can re-evaluate which ones you sell if needed. Chances are high that the ethanol-free gas will be among the more popular choices.
To learn more, contact an ethanol-free gas provider.
