A high-ethanol blend for flex-fuel vehicles
E85 — also sold as "flex fuel" — is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on season and region, according to the US Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center. The ethanol share is lowered in winter to help cold starts.
It is made for one kind of vehicle: a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV), which has a fuel system and engine calibration designed to run on any mix of gasoline and ethanol up to E85. Millions of FFVs are on US roads, and many owners don't know they're driving one.
How to tell if your car takes E85
- A yellow gas cap or yellow fuel-filler ring
- A "Flex Fuel" or "E85" badge, usually on the tailgate or fuel door
- A label inside the fuel door listing acceptable fuels
- The owner's manual, or a VIN lookup with the manufacturer
If none of those apply, your car is not a flex-fuel vehicle, and E85 is not for it.
What to expect at the pump
E85 is usually priced below regular gasoline per gallon, but ethanol carries less energy per gallon, so FFVs get fewer miles per gallon on E85. Whether it saves money comes down to the price spread at your local stations — compare price per mile, not price per gallon.
We list 4,969 public E85 stations across 44 states, compiled from the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center. Browse E85 by state or search near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use E85 in a regular car?
No. Only flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on E85. Regular gasoline engines and fuel systems are not built for high ethanol concentrations, and using E85 in them can cause drivability problems and damage over time.
How do I know if my car is flex fuel?
Look for a yellow gas cap or fuel-filler ring, a "Flex Fuel" or "E85" badge on the vehicle, or a note inside the fuel door. Your owner's manual states it definitively, and many manufacturers let you check by VIN.
Why is my fuel economy lower on E85?
Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, so flex-fuel vehicles typically get fewer miles per gallon on E85 than on regular gasoline. Whether E85 saves money depends on the per-gallon price gap at your local stations.
What if I accidentally put E85 in a non-flex-fuel car?
Don't panic, and don't keep driving on it if you can avoid it. A single partial fill diluted with gasoline is usually not catastrophic in modern cars, but it can trigger a check-engine light and rough running. Top off with regular gasoline as soon as possible, and consult a mechanic if symptoms persist.