What is E85? Complete Guide to Flex Fuel & Ethanol Gasoline
E85 is an ethanol-heavy fuel blend (51-83% ethanol) for flex fuel vehicles. Learn what E85 is, how it differs from regular gas, benefits, drawbacks, and if it's right for your car.
Find E85 flex fuel stations throughout Washington. Use the interactive map below to locate stations near you.
E85 availability is limited. Plan ahead and use the route planner for road trips.
Washington has just 5 public E85 stations despite implementing an aggressive Clean Fuel Standard in 2023. The state's 337,700 registered FFVs face a severe shortage—approximately 67,500 FFVs per E85 station.
Washington has zero corn ethanol plants and no significant agricultural feedstock for first-generation biofuels. While the Clean Fuel Standard creates market incentives, infrastructure buildout takes time. California retailer Propel Fuels recently entered Washington to capitalize on CFS credit opportunities.
The Washington Clean Fuel Standard launched January 1, 2023, targeting 45% carbon intensity reduction by 2038 (strengthened from 20% by 2034 under HB 1409, signed May 2025). Ethanol accounted for 78% of CFS credits in Q1 2023. State fleet requirements mandate 100% biofuels or electricity use "to the extent practicable."
Propel Fuels opened Washington's first new E85 station in April 2024 at Road Warrior Travel Center in Wapato (Yakima Valley). Opening pricing was $1.85/gallon. Military bases (Fort Lewis, Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, McChord AFB) have E85 but are not publicly accessible.
Seattle metro has virtually no public E85 access. The I-5 corridor has essentially no E85 coverage. Spokane lacks public stations. The I-90 corridor crossing the state is problematic.
Limited data due to few stations. The Propel Wapato opening offered E85 at $1.85/gallon (promotional). CFS credits theoretically make E85 more attractive for retailers.
Washington is currently challenging for E85 use. The Wapato Propel station in Yakima Valley is your most reliable option. For Seattle-area driving, plan on regular unleaded. Oregon offers 6 stations in Portland area. Watch for new station openings as the Clean Fuel Standard matures—the CFS should drive infrastructure growth over the next 5-10 years.
E85 is an ethanol-heavy fuel blend (51-83% ethanol) for flex fuel vehicles. Learn what E85 is, how it differs from regular gas, benefits, drawbacks, and if it's right for your car.
Find out if you can safely mix E85 and regular gasoline in your flex fuel vehicle, what happens if you accidentally use E85, and how FFVs handle mixed fuels.
Compare the real-world costs of E85 versus regular gasoline for your vehicle. Learn how to calculate cost per mile and determine if E85 saves you money.
Find E85 stations along your travel route. Perfect for road trips and long-distance travel.
Open Route Planner →View E85 station availability across all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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