Ethanol As An Alternative Fuel

Ethanol, which is a clear, colorless liquid, is an alcohol-based alternative fuel produced by fermenting and distilling starch crops, such as sugar beets and sugar cane, that have been converted into simple sugars. Feedstocks for this fuel include corn, barley, and wheat. Ethanol can also be produced from "cellulosic biomass" such as trees and grasses and is called bioethanol. Ethanol is most commonly used to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.

Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to create E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 and blends with even higher concentrations of ethanol, E95, for example, qualify as alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). Vehicles that run on E85 are called flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and are offered by several vehicle manufacturers.

In some areas of the United States, lower concentrations of ethanol are blended with gasoline. The most common low concentration blend is E10 (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline). While it reduces emissions, E10 is not considered an alternative fuel under EPAct regulations.

Vehicles that can run on E85, gasoline, or any mixture of the two are called flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). FFVs are widely available and include sedans, minivans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks. More than 3 million FFVs have already been sold in the United States, although many of the buyers remain unaware that they have the option to fuel with E85.

FFVs are widely available. As of 2003, the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition estimated that approximately 2 million FFVs have already been sold in the United States, although many buyers remain unaware that they may fuel with E85. Check your owner's manual, visit with your dealer, or see our list of current model year FFVs to determine if you drive a vehicle that can fuel with E85.