It's my understanding that E85 compatibility is simply updating the fuel system components with ethanol resistant parts. And updating the ECU programming to work with the different burn characteristics of ethanol. Around $100 per vehicle according to the big 2.5.


But before you consider it environmentally friendly, do some research on ethanol.

In the US:

Ethanol is mostly made with corn. Planted with petrochemical based fertilizers and tended with diesel fueled tractors. Trucked to market with fuel, etc.

Various studies have shown ethanol to be 80 - 120% (or so) efficient. Which would displace only 20% of oil, or "cost" 20 us 20% more oil!

In Brazil:

Ethanol is made with a lot of sugar cane, which is more efficient than corn. But... Brazil has slashed and burned a lot of forest to create their farmland.


The other issue, which I haven't seen much talk about, is WATER usage. Water is already problematic in this country. Depleting aquifers, damming rivers, etc.


Personally, I'm of the belief that improving fuel economy is the easiest way to reduce oil usage.