Chances are if you drive a vehicle you’ve already purchased ethanol. The most common ethanol blend is E10, 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. E10 represents nearly 90 percent of the gasoline sold in Nebraska. Since 2010, nearly all gasoline sold in the United States has contained 10 percent ethanol.
Every automaker in the world approves the use of E10 unleaded under warranty. In fact, some automakers even recommend the use of cleaner, renewable fuels such as E10 unleaded for positive environmental benefits. E10 can also be used in small engines such a lawn mowers, all-terrain vehicles, motor boats, chain saws, lawn trimmers and other such equipment.
Ethanol is a natural octane enhancer – adding ethanol to petroleum boosts the octane number and its performance. It also helps the other components in petroleum burn more completely thereby having a cleaning effect on a car’s fuel system while reducing toxic gasoline emissions.
Ethanol has been used in cars since Henry Ford designed his 1908 Model T to operate on alcohol. Trillions of miles have been driven on ethanol-blended fuel since 1980. In fact, several teams in national and international racing competitions use ethanol because of its high octane and exceptional performance.
What are higher ethanol blends?
E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) is a higher octane fuel becoming available nationwide at retail fueling stations. E15 was approved for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs), and all flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in January 2011.
Consumers interested in more choices at the pump have additional options if they own a flex fuel vehicle. Higher ethanol blends such as E20, E30 and E85 are available for flex fuel vehicles only and offered in blender pumps.
E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. This extraordinary fuel dramatically reduces the need for imported oil and offers optimum environmental and health benefits for America. Each month, more E85 stations are being opened across the U.S.
In the Energy Bill there is an infrastructure development provision that provides a 30 percent federal income tax credit, up to $30,000 per property, to install alternative fuel dispensing systems. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published Form 8911, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, for the installation of E85 fueling systems. For additional help with funding and infrastructure development contact the Nebraska Ethanol Board.
If you are considering selling higher blends of ethanol, please give us a call at 402-472-2941 or visit check out these retailer-specific resources from our national industry partners.