If you own a flex fuel vehicle, you have a choice most drivers don’t: the ability to run on E85, regular gasoline, or any mix of the two. But why would you choose E85? Here are eight compelling reasons to consider filling up with that yellow-handled pump.
1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
E85 can significantly reduce your vehicle’s carbon footprint. According to the Department of Energy, E85 produces up to 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions on a life-cycle basis compared to petroleum-derived gasoline.
How It Works
- Ethanol is made from plants that absorb CO2 while growing
- This offsets much of the CO2 released when the fuel is burned
- The net carbon impact is significantly lower than gasoline
The Numbers
| Fuel Type | GHG Emissions (CO2 equivalent) |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | Baseline (100%) |
| E85 | 46-59% lower |
If environmental responsibility is important to you, E85 is one of the easiest ways to reduce your transportation emissions without buying a new vehicle.
2. Support for American Agriculture
Every gallon of E85 you use supports American farmers. The vast majority of ethanol in the U.S. is produced from domestically grown corn.
Economic Impact
- Supports rural communities - Ethanol production creates jobs in agricultural regions
- Keeps money local - Your fuel dollars stay in the U.S. rather than going overseas
- Stabilizes farm income - Provides consistent demand for corn crops
- Reduces trade deficit - Less money spent on imported oil
The ethanol industry supports over 300,000 American jobs and contributes billions to the U.S. economy annually.
3. Reduced Dependence on Foreign Oil
Every gallon of E85 displaces petroleum, much of which would otherwise be imported. Using E85 helps:
- Improve energy security - Less reliance on unstable oil-producing regions
- Reduce trade imbalances - Keep more dollars in the domestic economy
- Stabilize fuel prices - Domestic production is less subject to global oil market volatility
Since ethanol is produced domestically from renewable crops, using E85 contributes to national energy independence.
4. Lower Cost Per Gallon
E85 typically costs $0.50 to $1.00 less per gallon than regular gasoline. While fuel economy is lower on E85, in many cases the price difference still results in savings.
When E85 Saves Money
E85 is usually cost-effective when:
- It’s 25% or more cheaper than gasoline
- You live in the Midwest (where prices are lowest)
- Local gasoline prices are high
Price Comparison Example
| Fuel | Price/Gallon | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $3.50 | — |
| E85 | $2.65 | $0.85/gallon |
Use our E85 station locator to compare prices in your area.
5. Higher Octane for Better Performance
E85 has an octane rating of 100-105, compared to regular gasoline’s 87 or premium’s 91-93. This higher octane provides:
Performance Benefits
- Eliminates engine knock - High octane prevents premature detonation
- Allows aggressive timing - Engine computers can optimize for power
- More power potential - Some vehicles produce noticeably more horsepower on E85
- Smoother operation - Better combustion quality
For performance enthusiasts, E85’s high octane is like having race fuel available at every pump.
6. Cleaner-Burning Fuel
E85 burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing harmful emissions:
Emissions Reductions
- Lower carbon monoxide - Cleaner exhaust output
- No benzene - Gasoline contains this known carcinogen; E85 doesn’t
- Fewer particulates - Cleaner combustion means less particulate matter
- Reduced smog-forming emissions - Better for urban air quality
The EPA confirms that E85 provides significant reductions in emissions of many harmful toxics.
7. Natural Fuel System Cleaning
Ethanol has natural solvent properties that help keep your fuel system clean:
Cleaning Benefits
- Removes carbon deposits - Keeps injectors and combustion chambers clean
- Prevents buildup - Ongoing use maintains cleanliness
- Reduces maintenance - May decrease need for fuel system cleaning services
Think of it as getting a fuel system cleaning every time you fill up.
8. Cooler Engine Operation
E85 burns at a lower temperature than gasoline, which benefits your engine:
Thermal Benefits
- Reduced heat stress - Less thermal load on engine components
- Better for turbos - Cooler intake temperatures improve turbocharger efficiency
- Extended engine life - Less heat-related wear over time
- Prevents valve damage - Lower combustion temperatures protect valves
This cooler operation is one reason why E85 is popular among performance enthusiasts with turbocharged vehicles.
Balancing the Benefits Against Considerations
The Trade-offs
While E85 offers many benefits, consider these factors:
Fuel Economy: You’ll use 15-27% more fuel on E85. Factor this into your cost calculations.
Availability: E85 isn’t available everywhere. It’s most common in the Midwest and less available on the coasts.
Cold Weather: E85 can be harder to start in extreme cold. Winter blends help, but keep some gasoline in your tank during very cold weather.
The Flexibility Advantage
Remember: with an FFV, you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can:
- Use E85 when it’s cheap and available
- Switch to gasoline when traveling to areas without E85
- Mix the fuels to balance benefits
- Adapt your fuel choice to changing prices and circumstances
This flexibility is the real advantage of owning an FFV.
Making the Most of E85
Tips for FFV Owners
- Check prices regularly - E85 prices fluctuate independently from gasoline
- Plan routes - Know where E85 stations are along your regular routes
- Calculate your break-even - Know what E85 price makes sense for your vehicle
- Try different blends - Experiment with mixing to find your ideal balance
- Track your fuel economy - Monitor how your specific vehicle performs on different blends
The Bottom Line
E85 isn’t just an alternative fuel - it’s a fuel with genuine advantages for the environment, the economy, your engine, and potentially your wallet. If you own a flex fuel vehicle, you have access to these benefits whenever you choose.
The beauty of FFV ownership is choice. You can optimize for cost, performance, environmental impact, or simply convenience - and switch your strategy whenever circumstances change.
Not sure if your vehicle can use E85? Check our guide on how to tell if your car is flex fuel compatible.
Ready to find E85 near you? Use our E85 station locator to find the best prices in your area.
