Ethanol and Your Vehicle

Ethanol helps keep gas pump prices affordable by adding to the overall motor fuel supply in the U.S. In fact, the Consumer Federation of America reports that drivers who purchase gasoline blended with up to 10% of ethanol save up to eight cents per gallon as compared to straight gasoline purchases.

All vehicles can use a blend of up to 10% ethanol. Ethanol is most commonly sold to motorists in the “E10” blend – 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline – which burns cleaner than gasoline. Manufacturers of small engines (boats, lawnmowers) also make their engines compatible with gasoline containing a blend of up to 10% of ethanol.

E85 is an alternative fuel that is made up of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). The flexibility lies in that the owners of FFVs have the option of using E85, straight unleaded gasoline, or any blend of ethanol up to 85%. It is possible, though quite difficult, to convert your non-FFV vehicle to operate on E85, but automobile makers are increasing their FFV lineups each model year.