Why is Ethanol 85 not available at stations in NJ?

Question

I'd love to start using the alterantive method of fuel in our newly purchaed equiped car, but it appears that NJ is one of only 4 states that does not have any retailers/ stations selling ethanol 85 fuel.

Does anyone know of NJ plans on this topic or any state programs or legislation on the table to help make this fuel more accessible in our state?

Answer 1

Go to www.E85fuel.com   Email them.  There is a guy who is in charge of getting E85 in NJ.  I forget his name but he is a physician and has alot of clout with the community.  In addition on their web page they have a link you can click and it makes it easy and painless to write your local politician and say "I need E85 in my town".  I have a feeling more places will be getting it in the near future.  We got a station here last year and they started out only selling 100 gallons a week.  A year later they are selling almost 2000 gallons a week of the stuff.  It's a dollar a gallon cheaper than gas. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

Because of the number of refineries on the east coast and the relative proximity to ocean ports vs. the locations of ethanol producers and the relative high cost of transporting ethanol, it is a cost issue for the east coast to effectively sell E85 vs. gasoline.  Here in the midwest it is a different story, we have to move gasoline further than ethanol, so E85 is a relatively cheap product vs. gasoline.    It would surprise me if the east coast went bandwagon on E85 vs. just a few "token" stations.  Speaking from experience, using E85 is a cost neutral product for us here, the cost savings of E85 are eroded by the fact that you get approximately 10% less MPG.  There is an emotional, intrinsic value in using it though.