Extreme gas mileage using non ethanol fuel

[Triangle6887]

I'm surprised you only get <320 range. I often was able to get about 380, and that was with my beefier tires. I usually gassed up with 10% ethanol 89 octane because I felt the vehicle was more responsive and smoother running on a higher octane, but I couldn't find a difference between mid and premium (92 in Oregon). I deferred to filling with mid because it was cheaper and felt like it performed the same.

Best mileage I ever got in my EB Mav was about 36.5 MPG. The conditions were as optimal as possible. The weather was perfect so I didn't have climate control on, I was cruise controlled at like 67 mph, there was a slight tail wind of like 5 mph pushing me, and the highway I was driving on had a very gradual decline over the 100+ mile drive (I started at 1000ft in elevation and ended at ~500ft).

Just my experience.

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[Mavster Mechanic]

ppl

I live in Utah, Maverick's 88 octane is actually E15. They do have pure gas sometimes but its always at least as much as the 91 octane. Maybe hes using nitro card points or something

Ah... the E15 wildcard.... yes, one would expect a larger delta in MPG with E15.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

35 cents a gallon more for "clear gas" is a smaller delta in price than most of the country. You are lucky there.

You need to compare apples to apples and keep elevation based octane modification out of the equation when comparing pricing.

85 is really 87 equivalent.
88 is really 90.
91 is really 93.

Your naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle with low net compression will not need premium or mid-grade under any circumstance. Your manual is vague and misleading, and I know it scares some people.

It's crazy that there were more than 50 different blends of gasoline used in the USA in 2013, the last time I looked into it. None of them will harm your engine. Will you get better MPG from some? Absolutely yes.

Lower compression engines like the HYBRID run well on the lowest octane available. This does not apply to turbocharged engines like the EcoBoost. Your hybrid manual is misleading because is does not mention that the valves stay open for part of the compression stroke, reducing the 13:1 used in the power stroke to a modest 9:1 or so in the compression stroke. (The exact compression ratio of the hybrid is unpublished leading some to call it variable.)

 

[kevinmccune]

So I usually get about 300 to 320 miles per tank. I do mostly highway driving. Get about 26mpg But I decided to conduct a little experiment, me and the family went to the newest buc-ees in ohio and I decided to fill up with their ethanol free gas
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I got almost 445 miles out of that tank of gas. So if anybody is considering does non ethanol fuel really make a difference? Yes, yes, it makes that much of a difference. And I have repeated it with consecutive results.. Just a FYI for anybody who is considering it. It's worth the extra dollar on fill up per gallon
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[kevinmccune]

ppl

Ah... the E15 wildcard.... yes, one would expect a larger delta in MPG with E15.

I used to persue efree gas religiously,after working through that pita scenario it made so little differnce as to be not worth the trouble( don't even use it in my small engines-the trick on small engines is run the engine completly dry before storage so the crappy rubber parts will not swell up,remember you are not running pure ethanol and believe it or not alcohol does have a calorie or btu content,you probably lose something like 2-3 percent running e10 btw most premium fuel contains a certain amount of ethanol to boost octane.( funny fact-the funny smell on interstate these days is burnt alcohol.

 

[kevinmccune]

35 cents a gallon more for "clear gas" is a smaller delta in price than most of the country. You are lucky there.

You need to compare apples to apples and keep elevation based octane modification out of the equation when comparing pricing.

85 is really 87 equivalent.
88 is really 90.
91 is really 93.
Atkinson"
Your naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle with low net compression will not need premium or mid-grade under any circumstance. Your manual is vague and misleading, and I know it scares some people.

It's crazy that there were more than 50 different blends of gasoline used in the USA in 2013, the last time I looked into it. None of them will harm your engine. Will you get better MPG from some? Absolutely yes.

Lower compression engines like the HYBRID run well on the lowest octane available. This does not apply to turbocharged engines like the EcoBoost. Your hybrid manual is misleading because is does not mention that the valves stay open for part of the compression stroke, reducing the 13:1 used in the power stroke to a modest 9:1 or so in the compression stroke. (The exact compression ratio of the hybrid is unpublished leading some to call it variable.)

people misunderstand the genius of the " Atkinson" cycle engine,due to its dynamic you actually get a longer "push" on the power stroke.

 

[Pknopp]

For whatever reason non ethanol gas is only a small amount more in the west as opposed to the east.

My daughter lived in Stillwater OK......non ethanol was available at all stations and rarely available back east.

It was very little difference in price. I'd always fill up with it when out there and yes, it made a difference.

 

[ZABSMAV]

people misunderstand the genius of the " Atkinson" cycle engine,due to its dynamic you actually get a longer "push" on the power stroke.

Ford recommends a minimum of 87-octane regular unleaded fuel for the Maverick Hybrid. They say that for optimal engine performance, maximum fuel economy, or during hot weather and towing, Ford recommends 91-octane or higher.

In many high-altitude regions of Utah, where we live, and travel frequently, the lowest regular grade fuel is sold at 85 octane rather than 87. Ford calls for mininum octane of at least 87 octane. Using 85 octane regular in a fuel-injected engine at higher elevations (7,000 ft.-9,000 ft., as is common in passes in Utah) may result in reduced performance and possible engine knocking.

 

[ZABSMAV]

For whatever reason non ethanol gas is only a small amount more in the west as opposed to the east.

My daughter lived in Stillwater OK......non ethanol was available at all stations and rarely available back east.

It was very little difference in price. I'd always fill up with it when out there and yes, it made a difference.

Comparing apples to apples, the price difference from 87 octane mid-grade regular gasoline with ethanol to the 88 octane ethanol-free Maverik Clear Gas is only 10 cents. I don't know how someone says it is 35 cents more. I would never run 85 octane in our Maverick. The octane rating is printed right on the pump.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Comparing apples to apples, the price difference from 87 octane mid-grade regular gasoline with ethanol to the 88 octane ethanol-free Maverik Clear Gas is only 10 cents. I don't know how someone says it is 35 cents more. I would never run 85 octane in our Maverick. The octane rating is printed right on the pump.

Because Ford is covering their ass not yours.

For 15 years I lived in Denver and owned an Escape Hybrid 2005 to 2019.
Same setup as the Maverick.
Ran 85 octane almost exclusively for 259,000 trouble-free miles. No knocking ever in an Atkinson engine. Even when towing up I-70 to the Eisenhower tunnel on a 90°F day.
Even when towing a OHV up hwy 5O between Durango, Silverton, Ouray, and beyond. Always lowest cost 85 Octane.
Which by nature performs just like 87 when at high elevations.

I know a thing or two because I've seen and done it. And what incentive do I have to steer you wrong?

Ford recommends you keep 87 in the tank because with the 700 mile range of the Hybrid you could fill up with 85 octane in Colorado Springs and drive on that to Texas. Still, very low risk and I probably did it a couple of times.

 

[Pknopp]

Comparing apples to apples, the price difference from 87 octane mid-grade regular gasoline with ethanol to the 88 octane ethanol-free Maverik Clear Gas is only 10 cents. I don't know how someone says it is 35 cents more. I would never run 85 octane in our Maverick. The octane rating is printed right on the pump.

what I purchased in Oklahoma wasn't 85 octane.

 

[Elderchuck]

Interesting test of fuel products. I am an ethanol supporter, grew up on a farm, live in farm country, and while I don't doubt that non-ethanol products go farther, I prefer getting top tier equivalent detergent gasoline to keep the insides cleaner and the ethanol also does that (don't go off on this). I have a classic car that requires higher octane and it is a bear to find anything over 91. In that vehicle I might consider non-ethanol as long as the octane is 93+, computer compensation not withstanding, I don't want a repair done due to poor gas quality (once again, don't go off on this).

 

[BK007]

Google

Yes, both the 2.0L EcoBoost and the 2.5L Hybrid engines in the Ford Maverick are designed to work with the vehicle's engine management system to adjust for different fuel octanes.

Here is how the system handles fuel octane for each engine:

2.0L EcoBoost Engine
The EcoBoost engine is turbocharged, making it highly sensitive to fuel quality.

• Octane Adjustment: The engine computer (ECU) utilizes knock sensors to detect pre-ignition (knocking). If you use higher-octane fuel (such as 91 or 93), the computer can advance the ignition timing to take advantage of the fuel's increased resistance to detonation, which typically results in more power and smoother operation, especially under load.
• Performance: While the truck is designed to run on 87-octane regular unleaded, using premium fuel is recommended by Ford for "best overall vehicle and engine performance," particularly during hot weather or when towing.

2.5L Hybrid Engine
The hybrid powertrain also features an engine management system capable of adjusting to fuel quality to protect the engine.

• Octane Adjustment: While the hybrid engine is naturally aspirated (unlike the turbocharged EcoBoost), its computer still monitors for knock and can adjust engine parameters to prevent damage when using different fuel grades.
• Performance: Similar to the EcoBoost, Ford recommends 91-octane or higher for the best performance in demanding conditions (towing, heavy loads, or high ambient temperatures), though it is fully capable of running efficiently on 87-octane fuel for daily driving.

Summary of Recommendations

• Daily Driving: 87-octane regular unleaded is the standard requirement and is perfectly sufficient for normal driving conditions.
• Demanding Conditions: If you are towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads, or driving in extreme heat, switching to premium fuel (91+ octane) is recommended to maximize performance and prevent engine knock.
• Fuel Quality: Regardless of the octane rating, it is highly recommended to use "Top Tier" gasoline to ensure the fuel contains the necessary detergents to keep the engine's fuel system clean.

 

[huunvubu]

Yes, ethanol-free (E0) gas typically provides better mileage. Drivers generally see an improvement of about 3% to 4% in miles per gallon (MPG) compared to standard E10 (10% ethanol) fuel. [1]
While users on platforms like Pilots of America agree that you get better range, opinions on Reddit's Mechanic Advice indicate that the higher cost of ethanol-free gas often offsets the efficiency savings. [1]

Why the Difference?

• Energy Density: Pure gasoline packs more energy per gallon than ethanol. Ethanol contains about one-third less energy, so your engine has to burn more volume of an ethanol-blended fuel to produce the same amount of power. [1]
• Engine Tuning: Many modern vehicles are designed to efficiently run on E10, so the difference in MPG might be less noticeable. However, older vehicles and small engines often run more efficiently and avoid fuel-system corrosion using ethanol-free gas. [1, 2, 3]

Is it Worth the Cost?
It depends on how you use your equipment:

• Daily Drivers: The cost difference between regular E10 and premium ethanol-free fuel is usually larger than the 3% to 4% fuel savings you get at the pump. [1]
• Small Engines: It is highly recommended to use ethanol-free gas for lawnmowers, boats, chainsaws, and stored vehicles. Ethanol attracts moisture over time and can corrode fuel lines in infrequently used equipment. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

To see if it makes financial sense for your specific vehicle, compare local fuel prices and manually track your MPG for a few weeks on both fuel types. You can find local stations that sell pure gas by searching the Pure-Gas.org Database. [1]

 

[HeyBales]

It's always interesting when sites or searches give the energy density difference in equal quantity of fuel.

But who is burning 100% Ethanol to see that difference.

Find the math for the difference and the result when only 10% is mixed in.

At least this thread isn't as bad as others - where ones are claiming the differences in MPG at the same time as changing octane rating.
Only change the % ethanol - not the octane - then compare price and a tanks worth of MPG.

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