E-85 Fueling Stations
V-REMS E-85 Fueling Stations Workgroup Highlights Sheet
V-REMS E-85 Fueling Stations Brochure
E-85 Fueling Stations Workgroup Goal:
To advance U.S. energy independence and reduce the environmental impact of petroleum by increasing the use of E-85 fuel in Virginia by federal, state, and public vehicles.
How to Get Involved:
If you would like to participate on the V-REMS E-85 Workgroup, please contact vrems.admin@getf.org.
Background:
The combined factors of rising gasoline prices, political motivations for reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and the serious environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels are driving the demand for alternatives to gasoline. E-85 gasoline is becoming an increasingly popular alternative fuel choice because it is compatible with many vehicles already on the road.
| Quick Facts: E-85 Fuel | E-85 Fueling Station |
Produced from 85% ethanol (made from plant matter), 15% gasoline. Improves U.S. energy independence. Reduces CO2 emissions as compared to conventional gasoline. Power, acceleration, payload, and cruise speed comparable to gasoline. On average, 20% less miles-per-gallon than gasoline but has a 17% higher octane rating. Can only be utilized in E-85 compatible vehicles (e.g., flex-fuel vehicles). Contains 80% fewer gum-forming compounds than conventional gasoline.
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The Challenge: Lack of E-85 Stations in Virginia
Supply-demand uncertainties and the capital cost of installing E-85 stations have inhibited private suppliers from entering the market. When the V-REMS E-85 Workgroup first started collaborating there are only four E-85 fueling stations in Virginia and only one station was accessible to the public.
A Solution: Leveraging the V-REMS Buying Power and Environmental Commitment
In February 2006, the Virginia Office of Energy and the Virginia Department of General Services presented the V-REMS partnership with a vision for bringing E-85 stations to Virginia. V-REMS partners realized that their collective buying power could help alleviate demand uncertainties and demonstrate regional leadership on advancing the use of E-85. V-REMS partners now assist Virginia and the EPA to increase the number of E-85 fueling stations along the Virginia crescent, a stretch of roadway running along I-95 from Alexandria through to Virginia Beach along I-64 — the area along which V-REMS vehicles have the greatest accessibility to the E-85 fueling stations. | V-REMS E-85 Buying Power 
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| | # of V-REMS E-85 Compatible Vehicles |
| Accomplishments* and Projections: |
- By demonstrating V-REMS partners demand for E-85, helped the Virginia Department of General Services to secure $450,000 for up to seven E-85 fueling stations on Commonwealth property.
- V-REMS partners’ assistance to the Virginia Clean Cities Coalition led to the award of a Department of Energy grant to fund up to 12 E-85 fueling stations for a total effort of $767,000.
- Working with EPA to leverage a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) agreement to finance installation of additional E-85 fueling stations.
- Resulted in the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) Command approving the installation of an E-85 tank for use by DSCR vehicles (50% are E-85 compatible) and employee vehicles.
- Enhanced the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) efforts to negotiate the installation of three E-85 fueling stations in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas by demonstrating a significant demand for E-85 from V-REMS partners.
* In some cases, the accomplishments identified are the results of individual V-REMS partners’ voluntary efforts. In others, environmental projects were already in effect when organizations joined V-REMS and experiences were shared. In most instances, partners identified common problems or needs or solutions, shared their experiences, and developed joint projects resulting in environmental improvements.
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E-85 Single Pump |
E-85 Projected Metrics of Success
The following projections are based on the number of E-85 stations proposed for installation. The calculations for estimating the metrics of success are based on a series of assumptions such as the fuel efficiency of burning E-85, the carbon emissions savings of E-85, the cost differential between E-85 and gasoline, etc. The process for calculating and evaluating the metrics of success will undoubtedly evolve—suggestions are welcome. |
 | - It is estimated that between 3,700-15,000 vehicles will have access to E-85 fueling stations annually.
- V-REMS partners’ installed E-85 fueling stations are projected to sell between 1.56-5.16 million gallons annually.
- 33,400-110,220 barrels of crude oil will be conserved annually, helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
- Reduction of 1,100,000-3,630,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions annually.
- Smog and ozone-forming emissions will be reduced.
- Up to 20 E-85 fueling stations could be installed along the I-95 / I-64 Virginia crescent (one station every 7.5–13 miles) during 2006-7.
- Over $1.2 million planned financing (cash and in-kind) through V-REMS efforts to install E-85 fueling stations during 2006–7.
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