Ethanol 101

What is Ethanol 15? Facts on using the new ethanol blend in our vehicles

Gasoline pumps may soon carry a new blend of gasoline and ethanol fuel – E15. Many gas stations and travel plazas already carry a mix of gasoline and 10 percent ethanol. Now they can add a higher ethanol blend to their offerings. The EPA recently approved waivers that allow that percentage to increase to 15 percent (E15).

But there are restrictions on the type of vehicles that can use E15. For instance, E15 should only be used in vehicles with a model year 2001 or later. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as school buses and delivery trucks should not use E15. Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and marine craft should not use the new blend.

Gas pumps carrying E15 will be labeled with information regarding which types of vehicles can handle E15 gasoline.

What are the benefits to using ethanol?

Many of the materials used in ethanol, such as corn, trees and grasses (called “cellulosic biomass”) are produced domestically, helping the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol also creates lower emissions of air pollutants. Some ethanol fuels, such as E85, can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles, but as consumer demand and interest grows in ethanol and other alternative fuels, these could help lower pollution and improve our air quality.

Additional Resources:

Read more about E15 fuel at the EPA’s website.

Read more about ethanol and E85 at fueleconomy.gov.