E85 Experiences So Far (France)

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.

 

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 .