We regularly go to France, where normal unleaded is currently sold to the tune of 1.50 - 1.65 EUR per litre :der:. The last 2 years we've been doing some experimental "blending" of various percentages of E85 - up to "E70" you have no problems with "Check Engine" lights coming on. This is valid for GEN2 and GEN3 Prius. This year we've taken it a step further, and our GEN3 Prius is now running on 100% E85. Yes, there is a slightly elevated consumption, and yes, the "Check Engine" light has to be killed from time to time (a 3-second operation when you have a ScanGauge installed), but the ICE runs a lot smoother - and when at the same (discount) station normal unleaded is sold at 1.57 EUR per litre and the E85 at 0.83 EUR per litre, there's no hesitation.
But does it not concern you that the Check Engine light is coming on? Surely it comes on for a reason!
Hi GrumpyCabbie, The first time it came on - back in our GEN2 Prius - I worried. Then I searched here for what that code means (it's merely a warning that the oxygen sensor has received out-of-range indications) and I was relatively conforted. And even with 100% E85 it only comes on after sustained acceleration - avoid those, and you don't even have to reset anything. We might take you up on the visit to your region - although we've had bad experiences visiting the UK by car: Twice, with two different vehicles, we've had technical problems. But OK, it was back in the time when we had Chryslers .
lol, you just answered your own concerns. You've got a Toyota now so you'll be ok. Took my Prius to France last year and never even doubted it would be faultless. If you are visiting this area you can either get the ferry to Hull or use the tunnel and come straight up the A1. You can check the links on my signature or ask for places to visit or I'll happily help with additional ideas. No E85 over here that I can find though.
RTFM!! According to Toyota, who actually -engineered-, -designed-, and -built- the Prius, "Do not use E85 fuel. You may use fuel with up to 15% ethyl alcohol in it." (I'm paraphrasing the actual wording.) But the above information is interesting. We also don't have E85 in Canada, but I'm told in the US it's cheaper than E10, but I don't think it's cheap enough to justify use (the poorer mileage would swamp the savings per litre). What using E85 will (and I say -WILL-) damage only those willing to do the test will discover.
