1. It takes about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to install on a regular gasoline engine vehicle. And yes, an entry-level mechanic can be very easily trained to do the installation.
2. Using E85 will actually help cut down on maintenance costs. One example is tune ups; they are less frequently required when running on E85. As for cost of repairs, there is no difference than on a regular gasoline powered vehicle. Once the system is installed there is no extra maintenance or costs involved.
As for the cost of the unit, it Retails for around $1,995.00 and they offer FLEET DISCOUNTS.
3. This system is not designed to save/increase miles per gallon but rather offer both a choice and savings at the pump. Typical OEM Flex Fuel cars can't offer huge savings b/c they’re not fuel efficient. With that said, OEM flex fuel cars incur a 25-30% loss in fuel efficiency when running on E85. The conversion system takes care of that issue. Testing shows that there is a maximum efficiency loss of just 3% when using the conversion system. That loss is common only experienced with aggressive drivers. With regular driving habits, any fuel economy change is virtually unnoticeable.
4. Currently, the average price of E85 here in Illinois is $3.47. That is roughly $0.75 savings compared to the price of regular gas. Now this is where the group effort comes in. The company plans to open their own stations in strategic locations once the demand is there. If we cab drivers/owners collectively agree to convert 300 cars, the company will supply us with a conveniently located station near O'Hare. They then will be able to offer E85 for less than other local stations. They are predicting they could offer E85 for $2.89 - $3.22 per gallon. As more vehicles convert they will open more stations in and around the city and suburbs.
5. Historically E85 has had the difference of roughly $0.45 - $0.50 per gallon. With new distilling technologies as well as new sources for producing ethanol (switch grass, sugar cane, yard waste, etc.), the price of ethanol has come down. Ethanol is a less volatile commodity than oil, so prices are forecast to remain rather stable. It seems pretty probable that a steady difference of $0.75 - $1.50 per gallon is possible, if not more.
More information on ethanol can be found on the following sites:
http://www.ncga.com/ethanol/main/index.asp
http://www.e85fuel.com/index.php
http://www.ethanol.org/index.php?id=15
6. There are taxi fleets already using the conversion system. One company for instance is MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. They have it installed on their fleet of limousines. Locally in Chicago there are two recognizable companies using the system. One is My Chauffer and the other is O'Hare-Midway Limousine Service.
I think this is a real win for our industry as well as for our state. It can bring substantial savings for us drivers. I think it also may make us look better if we go green. What do you think Mike? Worth a try?
