E85

fuel blend

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

E85 is a fuel blend consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is designed for use in flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on either traditional gasoline or a gasoline/alcohol blend.12

Ethanol used in E85 is typically cellulosic ethanol, a second-generation biofuel made from non-edible plant materials like wood, grass, or agricultural waste. This distinguishes it from first-generation biofuels that use food crops like corn.1

While E85 offers a renewable alternative, challenges exist. The conversion rate of raw materials to ethanol is lower than with first-generation biofuels, and the technology is still developing. Many countries opt for blending smaller percentages of ethanol into gasoline for use in standard vehicles without engine modification.1

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…ethanol (ethyl alcohol), marketed as E85. This initiative led numerous American, European, and Japanese manufacturers to certify some of their models as E85-compliant, which is indicated by the eighth character in the vehicle identification number, or VIN.
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…ethanol (ethyl alcohol), marketed as E85. This initiative led numerous American, European, and Japanese manufacturers to certify some of their models as E85-compliant, which is indicated by the eighth character in the vehicle identification number, or VIN.
Read More