Elevate your ethanol sales by sharing our basic ethanol front-end training with your team. As the face of your gas stations, your employees role is pivotal in shaping the customer experience and knowledge of the products you sell.
Here's a snapshot of what your staff needs to know to answer customer questions:
1. What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a renewable fuel primarily derived from field corn, and it plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution and lessoning our dependence on petroleum products. In Nebraska, ethanol holds particular importance because the state is the No. 2 producer of ethanol in the country (behind Iowa), which means it provides a lot of jobs and supports a lot of local farmers. Ethanol also contributes $4.5B to Nebraska's economy.
2. Customer Benefits
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Ethanol blends offer cost savings for our customers, providing an affordable and budget-friendly fuel option.
- Ethanol is a non-toxic octane booster that refiners can mix into gasoline to displace the toxic aromatics normally used for octane. Mixing in ethanol significantly reduces tailpipe emissions and other pollutants, contributing to healthier air quality and a cleaner environment.
3. Ethanol Blends
Have you familiarized yourself with the ethanol blends we sell? Do you know how to select ethanol blends at the pump? Do you know which blend to recommend to customers?
From E10 to E15, understanding the range empowers you to guide customers to the right choice. The more you know, the more confident you'll be in recommending the best blend for their needs.
E10
More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol. The use of E10 was spurred by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which began mixing in a 10% blend to reduce air pollution. Today, E10 is sold in every state.
Ethanol-blended fuel is very versatile, its even suitable for small engines (E10 only). Check out the list below:
- Lawnmowers: Most lawnmowers, both push and riding types, are designed to run on E10 without any modifications.
- String Trimmers/Weed Eaters: Gas-powered trimmers commonly use E10 fuel, providing a reliable and clean-burning option for yard maintenance.
- Leaf Blowers: Whether handheld or backpack-style, leaf blowers with gas engines are compatible with E10.
- Generators: Portable generators are designed to run on E10, making them a versatile and accessible energy solution.
- Pressure Washers: Gas-powered pressure washers, used for outdoor cleaning tasks, are generally compatible with E10.
- Snow Blowers: Gas-powered snow blowers, essential for winter maintenance, can operate smoothly with E10 fuel.
- Chainsaws: Gasoline-powered chainsaws, commonly used in forestry and landscaping, are designed to run on E10.
- ATVs and Small Recreational Vehicles: Many small off-road vehicles, such as ATVs and dirt bikes, are compatible with E10 fuel.
- Portable Pumps: Gas-powered water pumps for various applications, including irrigation and drainage, can use E10.
- Go-Karts: Small gas-powered go-karts used for recreational purposes can run on E10.
It's important to note that while E10 is suitable for these engines, it's recommended to check the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for specific equipment.
E15
E15, with its 15% ethanol content, is approved by the EPA for vehicles 2001 and newer. This represents more than 96% of the vehicles on America's roads today. E15 helps your vehicles run more efficiently than E10 and saves even more money!
Every state, with the exception of California, allows the sale of E15, and there are 31 states who have fuel retailers selling higher blends. Gas stations must adhere to several EPA requirements and regulations when selling higher blends.
E85
Blends higher than E15 (often sold in blends of E30 or E85), are called flex fuels and can only legally be used in flex fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have an internal combustion engine and are designed to run on higher alcohol content. Racecar drivers endorse the use of high ethanol blends in race cars because it helps boost engine performance, drastically reduces tailpipe emissions, and helps cool the engine better than gasoline.
4. Organization's Commitment
It's okay (and encouraged) to be an ethanol advocate on behalf of [COMPANY NAME]. We sell these blends for specific reasons. We know it's a good choice for our community and our patrons, and it also boosts business because we can offer consumers more choices. But sometimes they don't know their choices. Your knowledge is a powerful tool. When you encourage customers to consider ethanol blends, you're contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Thank you!
5. Customer Education
Where can customers learn more or ask questions? Direct them to fueledbynebraska.com, which highlights ethanol blends and their benefits. You can also connect them directly with the Nebraska Ethanol Board at 402-471-2941.
