Buy E85

What is E85, where did E85 come from and why, who sells it, why do they sell it, why should I buy it, and where do I get some?

Please review the fuel gage icon “Why I drive E85” on the home page – we hope you agree. FFVs are designed to run on any combination of ethanol and gasoline up to 85% ethanol (i.e., E85). E85 is defined as an alternative fuel in the Energy Policy Act of 2003, 2005 and 2007. As a result of those laws, many state, local and federal fleets have been using E85 for nearly a decade. There are currently about 1,600 E85 stations in the United States and you can find one based on your zip code at www.e85refueling.com. But don’t let E85 availability stop you from buying an FFV.  You can use gasoline until your local gasoline dealer gets E85.  Over ninety percent of gasoline stations are owned by small independent business people.  Your local gasoline dealer is only going to put in E85 if you ask him and only if you and others in your area have FFVs to support his business decision.

E85 is priced comparable to gasoline based on miles per gallon. It is usually sold for about 20% less that gasoline.  However, when you consider the direct benefits (ethanol is already saving consumers 50 cents per gallon on every gallon of gasoline sold) and the indirect benefits to the economic, energy, environmental and national security – it’s priceless.  When compared to other improved products we buy that have been developed because of competition in the marketplace (e.g., I-phone, Starbucks, vitamin water, cable television, high definition TV, Black Berry’s and XM radio) it’s a bargain with a bright future!

There are several national organizations that can help your gasoline dealer put in an E85 fuel dispenser.  Please share this information and website addresses with them.

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition has helped develop over 1,000 E85 stations in the United States.  www.e85fuel.com

The Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program has also helped gasoline dealers install E85 refueling equipment for fleet owners and private FFVs. www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities

The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest has helped develop the E85 refueling infrastructure in the Midwest states including over 300 E85 stations in Minnesota. www.cleanairchoice.org

The Ethanol Information and Promotion Council have helped gasoline station owners install E85 refueling infrastructure and promote E85. www.drivingethanol.org