Corn-Based Ethanol Gas Launches in Goleta, And it Works For Many Vehicles

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) - A fill up in Goleta with a newly approved ethanol based gas could save you up to $3.00 a gallon.

The fuel is 85% ethanol, which is an alcohol derived from corn and 15% gasoline. It is known as E85, which is available at gas stations across the country.

In Goleta, it is at the pumps at Fairview Ave. and Highway 101 as part of the Shell service station. This particular fuel comes from Pearson fuels in San Diego. It has about 450 stations using the E85.

Drivers need to check their manual or if they have a yellow gas cap they will know their car can take E85.

"It's half the price of gas right now so it is a real bargain," said station owner Tom Price at the Shell on Fairview and Highway 101 which sells E85 from Pearson fuels out of San Diego. He says he just put in the brand new tank approved for this fuel and no one else has it in Santa Barbara or Goleta.

A fleet driver with Easy Lift that has vehicles in service seven days a week says he is paying less and getting an impressive return on his fill up.

Oscar Elizalde filled up and said, "this is the first time I have heard about. this one and we tried to see how it was going to be with performance. To me is the same I don't see the difference, the difference is the price - half price!"

 Fuel economy is also slightly lower.

Even with that, Tony Velarde says the savings is worth it for his large SUV..
"I think it is a 30 gallon tank it is like it is $70-80 dollars to fill it. If I use regular gas it is $160. to $180. to fill it."

Price also says the $2.99 can drop down to $2.74. "They can also take advantage of when they get a car wash they get a 25 cent a gallon discount on their purchase, so they can double dip."

There is a station in Carpinteria, American Supreme Gas and in Santa Maria, Conserve Fuel on Betteravia Road, that also sells E85.

Some aspects of this fuel consumers should know include:

• Cost: Usually 5 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon than regular 87-octane gas. Currently however, it is about $3.00 cheaper based on the rising cost of gas from the traditional sources.
• Vehicles: Safe for most cars, trucks, and SUVs built in 2001 or newer. Do not use in motorcycles, boats, lawnmowers, or other small engines.
• How to Check: Look at your owner's manual or check your vehicle's gas cap. Look for the blue border label on the fuel dispenser at the station. 
• Emissions: Burns cleaner and creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than standard E10 fuel. 

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