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Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. The use of ethanol is widespread, and more than 98% of gasoline in the U.S. contains some ethanol. The most common blend of ethanol is E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline). Ethanol is also available as E85 (or flex fuel)—a high-level ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season—for use in flexible fuel vehicles. E15 is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a blend of 10.5% to 15% ethanol with gasoline. E15 is an approved ethanol blend for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty conventional gas vehicles.
Ethanol(C2H5OH), also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a high-octane liquid fuel derived from various plant materials, or “biomass.” It is a renewable, non-toxic, clean burning fuel alternative to traditional fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50%.
Ethanol is produced by fermenting and distilling plant starches, sugars or cellulosic material:
- starch: corn, barley, and wheat.
- sugar: sugarcane (primary feedstock in Brazil)
- cellulosic: wood, corn stalks, rice straw, sugar cane bagasse, pulpwood, switchgrass, algae, and municipal solid waste.
Resources for more information on this fuel
Ethanol Basics
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials collectively known as “biomass.” More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol.
Ethanol Laws & Incentives
State and federal governments enact laws and provide incentives to help build and maintain a market for ethanol fuel and vehicles.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Flexible fuel vehicles have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%.
Benefits & Considerations
A gallon of ethanol contains less energy than a gallon of gasoline, resulting in lower fuel economy when operating your vehicle.