Find active E85 Fuel Stations in the US and Canada

Key Takeaways about E85 Flex Fuel

1. Fuel Efficiency: E85, with its high ethanol content (up to 83%), provides less energy per gallon than gasoline, leading to a reduction in fuel economy by approximately 25-30%. However, the lower price of E85 can help balance this decrease in efficiency, depending on local conditions.
2. Environmental Impact - Emissions: E85 can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline, especially when considering the full lifecycle of ethanol production and use. While burning ethanol produces less carbon dioxide and fewer harmful pollutants like benzene, it can increase emissions of other substances like acetaldehyde, which has some associated health risks.
3. Public Health and Environmental Considerations: Using E85 helps reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, the largest source of such emissions in the U.S. Ethanol, as the Department of Energy explains, being a renewable fuel, E85 offers emission reductions by offsetting the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during combustion with the CO2 absorbed during the growth of the crops used to produce the ethanol. Consequently, vehicles running on high-ethanol blends produce less net CO2 per mile compared to those using conventional gasoline.
4. Engine Care and Performance: E85 has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, which enhances engine performance, particularly in engines designed for high compression. This makes E85 a favored fuel in high-performance environments like racing. Moreover, ethanol’s properties may reduce long-term engine wear, though older engines not specifically designed for ethanol might require adjustments.
5. Energy Security and Regional Considerations: E85 contributes to national energy security by decreasing dependence on petroleum and supporting domestic energy production. It also bolsters rural economies by creating jobs and supporting local industries. The advantages of E85 are more pronounced in corn-producing areas, where the fuel is more accessible and economical.

What's E85 ethanol percentage?

E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, where the ethanol content typically ranges from 51% to 83%, depending on the geographic location and seasonal variations. The exact percentage can vary because, in colder climates, the ethanol content is usually lower to improve cold-start performance, which is why it can be as low as 51% during winter months. In warmer climates or during summer, the ethanol content can reach up to 83%

What is the octane rating of E85 ethanol fuel?

The octane rating of E85 can vary, but it is typically around 100 to 105. This high octane rating makes E85 an excellent fuel for high-performance engines, as it allows for greater compression before detonation (knocking) occurs, leading to improved engine efficiency and power output

Which cars can use Ethanol blends like E 85?

Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are designed to use ethanol-gasoline blends like E85, which contains up to 83% ethanol. These vehicles can operate on any mixture of ethanol and gasoline, making them versatile for different fuel options. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, FFVs are widely available in the market and are built to seamlessly switch between gasoline and ethanol fuel blends without needing any modifications.

What's the difference between E85 and E10?

E85 and E10 are both ethanol-blended fuels, but they differ significantly in ethanol content, fuel costs, heating value, and how they affect vehicle performance, especially in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs).

• E10: This blend contains 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is widely available and can be used in nearly all gasoline engines without modifications. E10 tends to be cheaper than pure gasoline but slightly more expensive than E85. However, because E10 has a lower heating value (energy content per gallon) compared to E85, it provides better miles per gallon (MPG). This means that while you might pay a bit more per gallon, your vehicle will generally go further on a tank of E10.
• E85: This blend has 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and is designed for use in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). E85 typically costs less per gallon than E10, but it also has a lower heating value, resulting in fewer miles per gallon. On average, FFVs using E85 can experience a drop in fuel economy by 15-30% compared to when using E10. However, E85 has a higher octane rating, which can lead to a slight increase in horsepower in FFVs, potentially improving performance under certain conditions.

E85 Gas Stations by State