What is E85?
E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent
gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline;
it is a completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuel that enhances
the nation's economy and energy independence.
Today, the U. S. imports more than half of its oil, and overall consumption continues
to increase. By supporting ethanol production and use, drivers can help reverse that
trend. 85 percent ethanol can reduce pollution. Government tests have shown that E85
vehicles reduce harmful hydrocarbon and benzene emissions when compared to vehicles
running on gasoline. E85 can also reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), a harmful greenhouse
gas and a major contributor to global warming.
What's a flex fuel vehicle?
Flexible fuel vehicles, or FFVs, look like regular cars, trucks or SUVs, but
they're equipped to run on any blend of ethanol, from zero to 85 percent.
There are millions of FFVs on U.S. highways today.
FFVs are fully warranted and are usually at no extra cost to the consumer. To
safely and effectively operate a vehicle on E85, the vehicle must be compatible
with alcohol use. Aftermarket conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles to
ethanol-fueled vehicles, although possible, is not recommended because of the
changes in component materials necessary, the high cost, and the need for
extensive calibration.
Most flex fuel vehicle drivers don't even realize they can use E85.
Do you drive an FFV?
Look for a label on the inside of your vehicle's fuel door, check your owner's
manual or go to www.CleanAirChoice.org
and www.E85Fuel.com
to see if your vehicle is listed as an FFV.
Where do I find E85?
Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has 46 E85 stores, and the number is growing every month. To find
the nearest Kwik Trip/Kwik Star E85 store, go to our
store locator.
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Is using E85 really a smart choice?
Very smart. Here's why:
- Homegrown: E85 reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
- Cleaner: E85 cuts ozone-forming pollution by 20 percent and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30 percent.
- Renewable: E85 is made from corn, so more can be grown every year.
- Less Toxic: Gasoline contains toxic compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene. Use of E85 reduces the release of these chemicals into our environment.
- Costs Less: Ethanol has fewer BTUs per gallon than gasoline, so your fuel economy may go down a little, but E85's lower price typically makes it a much better value.
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