HOUSTON — Some drivers in Houston have reported their vehicles burning through fuel faster than usual following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of nationwide summer sales of E15 gasoline. The EPA authorized the expanded use of E15 to increase fuel supplies and help lower consumer costs during the summer driving season.
E15 is a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It is often sold at a lower price than regular gasoline and marketed as Unleaded 88. Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than traditional gasoline, which can affect vehicle performance.
Some drivers could experience a slight decrease in fuel economy when using E15, depending on their vehicle and driving habits. The EPA states that E15 is approved for use in most passenger vehicles from model year 2001 and newer, including cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. It is not approved for motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment, or vehicles built before 2001.
Local conditions in Houston may compound fuel efficiency concerns. Summer temperatures in the 90s increase air conditioning use, which places additional demand on the engine and can reduce fuel efficiency. Stop-and-go traffic in the city also contributes to lower gas mileage due to frequent acceleration, hard braking, and extended idling.
Seasonal fuel blends and changes in weather conditions can have a measurable impact on vehicle fuel economy. Experts recommend keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance, checking tire pressure regularly, and comparing fuel economy over several tanks before drawing conclusions about any one fuel blend.