Benefits
Performance
- Ethanol is domestically produced and allows us to reduce our use of imported petroleum
- Ethanol emits less carbon monoxide than gasoline
- Adding oxygenates like ethanol to gasoline reduces carbon monoxide emissions
- Ethanol production supports U.S. farmers and creates jobs
All auto manufacturers approve the use of low-level ethanol blends. Ethanol blends (10% or less) are successfully used in all types of vehicles and engines that require gasoline. From a consumer perspective, there is no noticeable difference in vehicle performance when low-level ethanol blends are used. Because there is a slight difference in the energy content of ethanol and gasoline, there may be a slight reduction in vehicle fuel economy when using ethanol.
Availability
Fuel ethanol blends are sold in every state, and ethanol blends make up nearly 100% of the gasoline sold in carbon monoxide and ozone nonattainment areas during certain months of the year.
Cost
Although ethanol is more expensive to produce than gasoline, federal tax incentives reduce the price to a competitive level. Ethanol prices tend to vary regionally due to availability and promotional efforts by retailers.
Additional Resources
Learn how low-level ethanol blends affect emissions, what to expect regarding fuel performance and availability, and read about pertinent costs, incentives, and regulations. Download the Low-Level Ethanol Fuel Blends Fact Sheet (PDF 268 KB) Download Adobe Reader.
For additional information on ethanol blends, visit
