Ethanol fuel is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials collectively known as "biomass". It is most commonly used as a motor fuel, mainly as a biofuel additive for gasoline. Ethanol is commonly made from biomass such as corn or sugarcane. Most of the fuel ethanol produced around the world is made by fermenting the sugar in the starches of grains such as corn, sorghum, and barley, and the sugar in sugar cane and sugar beets. Ethanol fuel is available in several blends, including:
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E10: 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline. This blend is commonly used in the United States and reduces air pollution.
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E15: 10.5% to 15% ethanol, approved for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles.
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E85: A gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. This blend can be used in flexible fuel vehicles, designed to operate on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% .
Ethanol fuel has several benefits, including being a renewable, domestically produced transportation fuel that helps reduce emissions. Ethanol also has a higher octane number than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance. However, the use of ethanol involves several considerations, such as energy security, fuel economy, and performance.
