New Ohio Interstate Ethanol/Biodiesel Station
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2006
I filled up this morning at a Sunoco station in central Ohio that offers clean alternate fuel to travelers on Interstate I-71 between Columbus and Cleveland. This station, as of September 2006, offers corn-based ethanol – E85 – and soy-based Biodiesel in three blends: B2 (2%), B5 (5%) and B20 (20%). Pricing is competitive with petroleum fuel and is one of a very few stations I’ve seen offering so many choices.
The proximity to Interstate 71 at exit 151 just east of Mount Gilead Ohio makes it an ideal stop for many who find the other renewable fuel filling stations inconvenient. I personally appreciated the pay at the pump credit card option as it makes the stop quick … besides, it is just a few yards west of the interstate exit — truly a no-hassle ‘pit stop.’ If you have a flex-fuel vehicle, or drive a diesel, be sure to support Ohio farmers growing clean fuel made in America.
There is a significant amount of information available on both biodiesel and ethanol. Here are a couple things to keep in mind: First, E85 is the government designated term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, is a domestic renewable fuel grown by farmers and what we currently use is processed in the US. Its not only better for the environment, but is good for the American economy by keeping the dollars circulating at home — BUT be sure your vehicle is E85 compatible before filling up. (see list of vehicles)
Biodiesel, on the other hand, is generally a soybean based fuel in the United States, although can be made from anything from recycled cooking oil to algae. It runs without vehicle modification as a replacement for petroleum diesel fuel and is clean, domestically produced will run at 100% (B100) or in any blended percentage. I’ve been running biodiesl in two TDI (diesel) Volkswagens for several years without an issue, although those desiring to run at high percentages should be aware of warranty and cold weather issues. Here is a quick FAQ on Biodiesel. At any rate, those looking for a ‘great’ place to purchase renewable fuels in Ohio should definitely mark this station on your maps.
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