HOLLYWOOD, FLA. -- The city of Hollywood announced it is the first city in South Florida to install high octane E85 Flex Fuel pumps to diversify its fleet fueling capabilities with the rail-transported ethanol biofuel blend.
Hollywood has more than 350 Flex Fuel cars and trucks, including Hollywood Police Department vehicles. By diversifying its fuel delivery, the city is no longer reliant on cargo ship-delivered gasoline for fleet fueling. Shipments can be delayed during hurricane season and in severe weather.
Ethanol blends also burn cleaner, producing 43 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2017 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Climate Change Program Office report.
Cost Savings
The city’s fleet superintendent worked with Protec Fuel Management, LLC to evaluate the city’s fuel use and existing fueling infrastructure for transitioning to the homegrown blend.
According to the city, it expects to save 25-45 cents less per gallon over regular unleaded gasoline.
To install, the city repurposed an existing 10,000 gallon underground tank and added two fueling station pumps dedicated solely to the biofuel. E85 Flex Fuel is an ethanol-blend of fuel derived from corn and sugar cane grown in the United States.
Andrew Greenberg, Protec chief executive officer, cited the ability to lock in E85 prices over a span of a year as a cost savings factor for the city budget, where fleet fueling expenses are typically subject to fluctuating gasoline prices.
“We are unique in our ability to offer clients a clear picture of their pricing for months instead of moments,” he said.
The project was supported by funding support from USDA, Protec and the South Florida Clean Cities Coalition.
Learn more about the city’s sustainability programs on at Hollywoodfl.org.
