E85 is the term for fuel comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. E85 is considered an alternative fuel under federal and state laws, designed to increase our domestic energy security and reduce vehicle emissions. It looks and “fuels” just like regular gasoline.  E85 also burns cleaner, reduces our dependence on foreign, is homegrown, renewable, and generates dollars in the American economy.

Quick facts about E85:

     Environment - E85 burns cleaner, reducing ozone-forming pollution by

     more than 15 percent, carbon monoxide by 40 percent, greenhouse gas

     emissions by 25 percent, and over all air toxins by 40 percent. E85

     contains 80 percent less of the toxins found in conventional gasoline.

     National Energy Security – Do you know where your fuel comes from

     and where your fuel dollars go? The ethanol in E85 is renewable and

     grown here in the U.S. Research indicates a 67 percent net energy gain

     in corn-to-fuel ethanol processing and use.

     Performance – E85 has a 100-plus octane rating and its high alcohol

     content can provide 5 percent more horsepower in FFVs.

     Efficiency & Cost – FFVs are designed to run on gasoline or any

     mixture of ethanol up to 85 percent. E85 has lower energy density than

     gasoline – therefore, depending on the model, driving habits and

     conditions, drivers may experience a 10 to 20 percent fuel economy

     reduction.  However, please note E85’s benefits and pricing typically

     compensate for this loss in fuel economy for drivers.

     Maintenance – All FFVs carry the same warranty as gasoline-only

     models. Maintenance costs are roughly the same for FFVs. FFVs run

     cleaner, possibly lowering your maintenance costs over the life of the

     vehicle.

To learn more about E85 and vehicles that can utilize this blend, visit MoFlexFuel.  

If you have any ethanol related questions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Missouri Corn associate director of ethanol blends.