First pump sales of Gevo isobutanol-blended gasoline in US at Express Lube Service Station in Texas
30 July 2015
Gevo, Inc. announced that Express Lube of Fredericksburg, Texas, is the first US service station to sell gasoline blended with Gevo’s renewable isobutanol at the pump. Gevo anticipates this to be the first of many retail locations to offer the product as the company rolls out its isobutanol to the marina, outdoor equipment and off-road gasoline markets. (Earlier post.)
According to Express Lube owner Adam Sheffield, he decided to sell isobutanol-blended gasoline because its moisture resistance and capacity to reduce engine corrosion are suited for equipment and vehicles that are used intermittently. Sheffield learned about Gevo’s renewable isobutanol from Kino Oil, a local distributor that sells the product in drums. Kino began to offer the fuel made with isobutanol after finding that it is ethanol-free and is excellent for use with marine and off-road engines.
As a result of this improved performance provided by isobutanol-blended gasoline, Express Lube has been selling its fuel at more than a 50% premium in comparison to local E10 gasoline blends.
Gevo’s isobutanol is blended with gasoline to help meet renewable fuel and clean air standards, and after several years of work and testing, has successfully obtained registration with the US EPA as a fuel additive. Recently, the National Marine Manufacturers Association officially endorsed isobutanol as a drop-in fuel for marine and recreational boat engines. Gevo believes that retail sales of isobutanol-blended gasoline by Express Lube will help establish the value proposition for other fuel retailers.
This is really cool! I wonder what the price is at the pump???
Posted by: DaveD | 30 July 2015 at 01:47 PM
...selling at a 50% premium.......?
Posted by: HarveyD | 30 July 2015 at 02:04 PM
I sincerely hope that this fuel takes off for airplane and small garden tool use too. Most folks don't realize the dangers that ethanol brings to seldom used equipment and water absorption. The more folks realize the benefits of butanol the faster the use/volume will increase and the price will normalize. Marine fuel is already more expensive than normal because of the unique (monopoly!) dispensing environment.
Posted by: william g irwin | 31 July 2015 at 05:19 AM
Without adequate regulations or adjusted-appropriate carbon fees (not to mention taxes) more costly cleaner fuels do not have a chance in USA and/or Canada, with California and BC as a possible exceptions.
Posted by: HarveyD | 01 August 2015 at 09:07 AM