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What is ethanol? Ethanol is “ethyl alcohol,” 200-proof grain alcohol. An ethanol plant produces fuel-grade ethanol, and that ethanol is then blended in a percentage with gasoline to make a finished motor fuel. Terminology is important because the term “ethanol” means different things to different people: Different definitions of “ethanol” can lead to confusion, such as the misunderstandings that “a special vehicle is required to run on ethanol” or that “ethanol is only available at a small portion of the nation’s gas stations.” In these cases, people say “ethanol” but actually mean the alternative fuel E85. Will my vehicle run on ethanol-blended fuel? All vehicles are “ethanol-capable” and can use a blend of up to 10% ethanol. This “E10” is a blend of 10% ethanol / 90% unleaded gasoline and is the most common way ethanol is sold to motorists. Since the 1980s, all automakers have covered the use of up to 10% ethanol under warranty, and no engine modifications are necessary to use E10. E10 is a cleaner burning fuel than straight gasoline. Can ethanol blends be used in small engines, such as boats, lawnmowers, or chainsaws? Yes. Manufacturers of small engines realize that up to a 10% blend of ethanol is very common in gasoline, so they make their engines compatible with this fuel. What is E85? How do I know if my vehicle can use it? E85 is not gasoline, but rather an alternative fuel comprised of 85% ethanol / 15% unleaded gasoline for use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). These vehicles are truly “flexible” in that their owners have a choice whether to use E85, any blend of ethanol up to that 85% level, or straight unleaded gasoline. On some models this comes as an option, and on some it is a standard feature. To identify whether a vehicle is flexible fuel, check the owners manual and inside the gas cap. Also, visit www.ethanol.org/e85.html to link to a complete list of FFVs, including the new ’06 model year vehicles. Can my vehicle run on E85 even if it’s not an FFV? If your vehicle is not an FFV, use of any higher ethanol percentage than 10% is not covered by warranty. People have reported that they blend higher percentages of ethanol in regular, unmodified vehicles. A pilot study conducted earlier this year suggests that up to 30% ethanol could be used in a non-flex fuel vehicle, but more research is required on this subject and we as an organization do not endorse this practice until further study is done. Can I convert my vehicle to use E85? In theory, it is possible; in reality, it is difficult. A vehicle could be converted to operate on E85, but the challenge would be converting it to be a truly flexible fuel vehicle, one that could operate on any blend of fuel up to the 85% ethanol. There are no companies in the U.S. that sell conversion kits for vehicles to operate on E85. The good news is that automakers are increasing their lineups of FFVs each model year, so whether you’re looking for a new or used vehicle, they are available. Where can I buy E85 in my area? A link to a complete list of gas stations offering E85 can be found online at www.ethanol.org/e85.html . This site has a searchable map that gives E85 pump locations by state.

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