What is E15, also known as Unleaded 88?
E15, often sold as Unleaded 88, is a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline and is approved for use in all cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer, representing the vast majority of vehicles on the road today.
E15 gives drivers another fuel choice at the pump while increasing the use of American-made ethanol and supporting agriculture and rural communities.
Where is E15 (Unleaded 88) Available?
Why Year-Round E15 Matters
Federal fuel regulations have historically limited the sale of E15 during the summer months in many parts of the country. These regulations are based on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), which measures how readily fuel evaporates during warmer temperatures.
E10 received a waiver under federal law allowing it to be sold throughout the summer, but that same treatment was not originally extended to E15, even after E15 was approved for use in newer vehicles.
Providing permanent year-round access to E15 would create consistency for fuel retailers and allow consumers to have the same fuel choices at the pump throughout the year.
More Choice for Drivers
Expanding E15 does not require consumers to purchase it or retailers to sell it. Instead, year-round access gives fuel retailers the option to offer E15 and allows drivers to decide which fuel works best for them.
Greater availability of E15 can:
- Provide another affordable fuel option at the pump
- Increase the use of American-made ethanol
- Support corn growers and rural economies
- Expand markets for ethanol producers
- Help reduce emissions compared with conventional gasoline
E15 & North Dakota
For North Dakota, expanding E15 means creating greater demand for a renewable fuel produced right here at home.
North Dakota’s ethanol industry provides an important market for corn, supports jobs and economic activity in rural communities, and produces a renewable transportation fuel from an abundant agricultural resource. Increasing the availability of E15 helps strengthen the connection between North Dakota agriculture, ethanol production, and consumers at the pump.
