What is E85?
Response:
E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent
ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined
by the U.S. Department of Energy. Besides its superior performance characteristics,
ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestic,
environmentally friendly fuel that enhances the nation's
economy and
energy
independence.
Today, the U. S. imports more than half of its oil,
and overall consumption continues to increase. By supporting ethanol production
and use, U.S. drivers can help reverse that trend. 85% ethanol can reduce
pollution. Government tests have shown that E85 vehicles reduce harmful
hydrocarbon and benzene emissions when compared to vehicles running on gasoline.
E85 can also reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), a harmful
greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming.
Although CO2 is
released during ethanol production and combustion, it is recaptured as a
nutrient to the
crops that are used in its production. Unlike fossil fuel combustion, which
unlocks carbon that has been stored for millions of years, use of ethanol
results in low increases to the carbon cycle.
Ethanol also degrades quickly in water and, therefore,
poses much less risk to the environment than an oil or gasoline spill.

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For more information on E85, check
Frequently Asked Questions.