Ethanol is ethanol right? Not really. In Iowa when you pump gas from the handle that reads ethanol, you are actually using a 10% ethanol blend or E10. All major auto manufacturers in the U.S have approved the use of E10 in their vehicles.
E85 is a fuel blended at 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is considered an alternative fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy and is only approved for vehicles called Flexible Fuel Vehicles. You can find out whether your car is a FFV by checking your owner's manual or click here.
It is not really that confusing. Basically ethanol is a great thing (for the environment, for energy independence, and for our Iowa economy) so E85 is more of a good thing!
E85 can only be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles or FFVs. Special onboard sensors "read" the fuel blend and adjust. Parts on the vehicle are also made of stainless steel to hold up to the higher ethanol level.
In Iowa, we are working with retailers and with the state government to get more E85 pumps in the state. E85 fuel pump finder
To find out how corn is made into ethanol, click here.
Don't believe us, listen to Jay Leno talk about E-85!
