E85

E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% ordinary gasoline. This extraordinary fuel dramatically reduces the need for imported oil and offers optimum environmental and health benefits for America.

Automakers are rapidly increasing the number of vehicles that can run on E85. These vehicles, known as flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), can operate on any blend of ethanol and ordinary unleaded gasoline up to 85% ethanol. Computer technology in the fuel system automatically compensates for the blend—so you can fill up with E-10 Unleaded one time and E85 the next with no worry.

There are several FFVs on the market today. One way to find out if you own a FFV is to look inside your vehicle's fuel door for a decal indicating: "'E85' or 'Ethanol Fuel' may be used." If ethanol use is not indicated on your fuel door, your vehicle may still be E85 compatible. Simply match the numbers on your vehicle identification number.

Click here to see what you need to look for in your vehicle identification number.

Each month, more E85 stations are being opened across the U.S. Minnesota has over 200 E85 stations—and Nebraska is quickly adding stations at this time.

In 2005, President George Bush signed the Energy Bill. In this bill, there is an infrastructure development provision that provides a 30% federal income tax credit, up to $30,000 per property, to install alternative fuel dispensing systems. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published Form 8911, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit for the installation of E85 fueling systems.

For those that are considering selling E85, the U.S. Department of Energy has published a Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85. To view this handbook, click here.