More than a decade ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved unleaded 88 E15 for use in all gasoline-powered vehicles (and flex fuel vehicles) model year 2001 and newer. That means owners of about 90% of the millions of sedans, vans, pickups and SUVs on the road today can use E15 and enjoy the benefits of this biofuel blend.
However, there are a few things E15 cannot do.
Don’t Go Small
First, E15 cannot be used in all applications. At least not today. E15 is not intended for non-automotive small engines like lawn-mowers, weed-whackers, snow-blowers, leaf-blowers, or chainsaws. Might it work? Maybe. But small engines are different from car engines, and until they’re built, tested and warrantied for E15, stick with regular.
E15 with its midgrade (88) octane rating works great in both high-performance automotive engines like those used in NASCAR, where it’s been used since 2011, and that 4-cylinder under the hood of the family sedan. Those are designed, tested and built differently than small engines.
It’s important to note even test fuel used by small engine makers is not gasoline you and I can buy at a pump. Often, small engine tolerances are tight; sensitive to the smallest variation in operating conditions, settings and fuel. Frankly, some “weekend yard warrior” equipment from the big box home improvement stores isn’t built to last. A less diplomatic person might suggest some types are ‘disposable,’ designed only to last a season or three.
Not Everywhere (Yet)
Second, E15 cannot be found everywhere (yet). Not everyone has access to it. However, more than 2,500 stations in the U.S. are now selling it, and that number will increase every year.
In Minnesota, innovative private-public partnerships between station owners and the Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, American Lung Association and others have helped achieve a statewide network of more than 400 E15 fueling locations.
This year, grants were offered to help offset the equipment installation costs for qualifying fuel retailers. So if you can’t find E15 near you yet, ask the station’s manager or make a quick call to the head office of your favorite C-store brand. They might be very glad you did.
E15 Cannot Pump Itself
Finally, E15 and other biofuel blends are about choice. You and I and the next driver must choose the E15 nozzle handle instead of gasoline. Given E15 is typically priced a dime or better less than regular gasoline, it tends to draw attention. But, ultimately, it’s up to us to make the right choice.