What Is E15 Gas? A Quick Look at the Fuel's Pros and Cons

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During a recent fuel stop, we spotted a pump for E15, a gasoline (blend, not brand) that wasn't on our radar. It is dispensed through pumps with light-blue identifying colors. Maybe you've seen it at your local fuel distributor.

Having reported on several different diesel fuels (red, number 2, biodiesel) in the past, looking deeper into the newly discovered (by us) flex fuel makes good sense. Here are a few quick note on our findings.

What Is E15?

To be clear, E15isgasoline. It's 88-octane fuel that is refined with 85 percent unleaded gas and 15 percent ethanol. E15 has been available through retail distributors since 2012 and, like the more popular E85 (unleaded gas plus between 51 and 83 percent ethanol), it can be used in all flexible-fuel vehicles. However, it is blended primarily for 2001-and-newer cars and SUVs.

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E15 Pros and Cons

Cost is the first plus about E15, which is also called "Unleaded88" at some places where it is sold. It's cheaper (per gallon) than typical unleaded blends, and it works in most 2001-to-present gas-powered pickups. Also, because of its higher octane (than regular 87-octane fuel), E15 reduces engine knock and promotes greater overall efficiency and power.

Of course, environmental impact must be included as one of the pros. Vehicles using ethanol-based fuels as a whole emit less carbon dioxide. However, on the negative side, because ethanol has approximately 5 percent less energy than gas, it's possible that any noticeable difference in fuel economy with E15 will be lower than it is with unleaded fuel.

Where Is E15 Sold?

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Interestingly, in August 2012, there was only one gas station (out of 150,000) in the U.S. that sold E15 for regular vehicles. Today, almost a decade later? In addition to the QuikTrip outlet in Dallas, Texas, where we found E15 at the pump, there are still fewer than 2,000 retail distributors across 31 states.

If you already use E15 in your truck, or are interested in trying it, the best way to find an outlet that sells E15 is by using the GasBuddy app. A simple download, registration, and plugging in location and fuel type are all it takes.

Lead image by Ben Hasty via Getty Images.