E15: The New Ethanol Blend

The New Fuel: E15

E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) is a new higher octane fuel that will soon be another choice found at a gas station near you, if not already. This fuel has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for light duty vehicles model year 2001 and newer, and all flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). Vehicles older than 2001, small engines, boats and motorcycles were not. If you have a vehicle that is a 2001 and newer model, you can be rest assured that this fuel has been properly and thoroughly tested. In fact, it has been tested more than any other fuel in the history of the United States, and all before it was even offered to the public. The approved group of vehicles includes more than 62% of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today. What is more important is the fuel consumed by these vehicles constitutes more than 84% of the unleaded fuel sold. Needless to say, E15 can play an important role in reducing our dependency on foreign oil. E15 is not a mandate, E10 will remain available. No station is required to carry it, and no consumer is required to purchase it. It is simply another choice at the pump, and nothing more.

Why Should I Choose E15?

According to the EPA, “E15 is likely to result in somewhat lower evaporative emissions compared to fuel currently sold in much of the country… .” That is a good start! Lower emissions are good, and even better for future generations.

Testing was completed by EPA, national laboratories, universities and several independent studies. E15 has not even been sold on the street and already has been proven more than 6.5 million miles over various manufacturers, makes, and model years. This is the equivalency of driving to the moon and back 6 times!

The ethanol industry continues to support more than 401,000 jobs in the United States. The expansion of the availability and consumption of ethanol will cause that number to increase, and in turn boost our economy overall. There are few industries today that have the ability to maintain and potentially add jobs here in the United States. We are very proud of this fact.

Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler in engines, which helps the performance level of the vehicle. It also can extend the life of the engine, which is good for you and your wallet.

E15 can be used by 62% of the light duty vehicles on the road today, representing more than 80% of the unleaded fuel sold.

E15 pump label

And there is always room to grow! The ethanol portion of E15 is made from renewable resources, and that is not going to change. In fact, the number of available resources increases each year. Ethanol is not going to be limited by corn, or other grains, it is simply going to be limited by acceptance. You can start the change. Let’s work together to break our century plus addiction to oil.

If you don’t have E15 at your favorite gas stations yet, make sure to ask your fueling station if they will offer

E15 as a fueling option. Look for the label to ensure you are getting E15!

Can I use E15?

If you drive any of the following, you can definitely use E15! Not sure what model year your vehicle is? Check your insurance card, registration card, or owner's manual to find out.