E85 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV)?
Flexible fuel vehicles have been designed to operate on any ethanol blend up to 85% ethanol. Special onboard diagnostics “read’ the fuel blend, enabling drivers to fuel with ethanol blends in any combination from a single tank. The computer adjusts the FFV’s fuel injection and ignition timing to compensate for the different fuel mixtures.
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have modifications to their design to enable them to operate on higher blends of ethanol. Changes include an oxygen fuel sensor that detects the level of oxygen (ethanol); the fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel injectors are made of different materials; and a stainless steel fuel tank has been added along with Teflon-lined fuel hoses. For a list of FFVs, please click here.
What happens when E85 is not available?
The FFV system allows the driver to use any combination of gasoline or ethanol – from 100% unleaded gasoline to 85% ethanol blends. Therefore, gasoline can be used if E85 is not available.
Does an FFV cost more than a gasoline-only model?
Flexible fuel engines are standard equipment on certain makes and models of automobiles, trucks and SUVs produced by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group, and Nissan. FFVs are available at little or no additional cost. These vehicles carry the same warranties as gasoline-only vehicles.
Can a car be retrofitted or converted to use E85?
Consumers can now fuel non-flexible fuel vehicles with E85 with the installation of a FLEX-BOX SMART KIT™. The kit, which is EPA approved, continuously monitors a vehicle’s engine emissions and adjusts supplemental fuel injection which allows the vehicle to operate at optimal performance.
Are repair and maintenance costs for FFVs any different than they are for gasoline vehicles?
No, the costs are roughly the same as regular auto repairs and maintenance. An FFV does run cleaner and, therefore, some maintenance costs may actually be reduced in the long run.
What is the price of E85?
E85 is priced competitively with regular unleaded gasoline – typically at least 50 cents less. For current E85 prices around the nation, visit www.E85prices.com.
Where can I buy E85?
For a list of Iowa E85 refueling locations, please click here, or for E85 stations nationwide, please click here.
How can I get an E85 pump in my area?
Customer demand influences what products are sold. Talk to your local retailers about offering E85. Financial assistance is available to retailers in Iowa through the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, which is being managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. For more information on the grants available, please visit: www.iowaagriculture.gov/agMarketing/IRFIP.asp.
What is the octane rating of E85 compared to gasoline?
E85 has an octane rating ranging from 100-105, making it a high performance fuel. In comparison, regular unleaded gasoline has an octane rating of 87.
What happens if I accidentally fuel my gasoline-powered vehicle with E85?
No problems should occur if you mistakenly fuel once with E85. The “check engine light” may appear due to the higher oxygen content in E85. Long-term use of E85 in gasoline-only vehicles may cause damage because of the incompatibility of high-ethanol blends with parts in gasoline-only engines. Alcohol fuels can be more corrosive than gasoline. Therefore, fuel system parts have been upgraded to be ethanol-compatible. Also, improper use of E85 may compromise performance and emissions.
What is the impact of having E85 available in Iowa?
Currently, nearly 300,000 FFVs are owned by Iowa motorists. Projections are that an additional 40,000 to 100,000 FFVs will be purchased by Iowans each year over the next decade. As a result, the increased use of cleaner-burning E85 will improve Iowa’s air quality by reducing harmful tailpipe emissions.
If E85 is spilled on the ground, can it contaminate groundwater?
Ethanol is water soluble, non-toxic and biodegradable. E85 contains roughly 80% less of the potential contaminates found in gasoline.
Is E85 more toxic or dangerous than gasoline?
No. 100% ethanol can be ingested by humans, is non-toxic and fully biodegradable. Fuel-grade ethanol must be “denatured” with gasoline to prevent consumption. Also, ethanol does not contain the harmful carcinogens and toxins found in gasoline.