E15 Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is E15 gasoline?

Drivers have logged 16 billion miles on E15 which E15 is a blend of fifteen percent ethanol mixed with gasoline. You are probably already using E10—a blend of ten percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Americans have driven over 16 billion miles on E15 gas.

Is E15 and eblend the same gas?

Yes, E15 is branded as eblend at Kum & Go stations throughout Colorado Springs.

When in doubt, look for the blue hose.

Is E15 gas safe for my vehicle? Will it harm my engine?

E15 is absolutely safe for all 2001 and newer cars, SUV’s, and light duty trucks. It is EPA approved and it the most widely tested fuel on the market.  You are most likely burning E10 right now, and a five percent increase in ethanol will not harm your car. Nine out of 10 cars on the road right now can switch to a higher ethanol blend today.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR E15 FACTS INFOGRAPHIC

What is ethanol fuel?

Ethanol is a renewable, sustainable biofuel made from plants. Ethanol is present in more than 97 percent of the gas in the United States.

Why? Ethanol is used to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution. Ethanol has a higher-octane number (112) than gasoline (85) and provides premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.

In the U.S., ethanol is made primarily made from field corn—a harder, drier type of corn than the vegetable sweet corn we like to eat. Field corn is most often fed to livestock, but it also makes an excellent source of ethanol because its high starch content allows it to be easily converted into a clean burning, highly efficient, renewable fuel and other co-products.

True Blue Fact: Ethanol was first used as a fuel source in 1826; in fact, Henry Ford’s famous Model T ran on ethanol in 1908.

Why should I use E15 gas in my vehicle?

The short answer is because ethanol:

  • Is better for your car’s engine.
  • Is better for the environment and safer for humans; it eliminates a lot of the pollution, toxic chemicals and water consumption associated with conventional fuels.
  • Is less expensive, costing 3 to 10 cents per gallon below the cost of other gas.
  • Supports the American economy; grown and produced here, it reduces our dependency on foreign oil.

  • E15 gas costs three to ten cents less per gallon. For a family with two cars, this higher blend of ethanol fuel could save hundreds of dollars each year.
  • Ethanol is better for the environment in many ways:
  1. It’s a renewable resource. Unlike petroleum, which is a finite resource—once it’s gone, it’s gone—we can produce more ethanol by simply growing more corn.
  2. It’s a much cleaner burning fuel than typical gas. In 2019 the use ethanol in gas reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 54.1 million metric tons—the equivalent of removing 11.5 million cars from the road for an entire year.
  3. Ethanol is energy positive. On average corn ethanol produces 2.6 to 2.8 unites of energy for every unit used.
  • Ethanol fuel is a smart choice for your family’s health. Using ethanol in gasoline replaces three toxic gasoline additives linked to both cancer and smog. This reduces the risk of exposure to these additives both at the pump and in the air, lowering the risk of lung conditions. Plus, growing the corn to produce ethanol cleans the air we breathe—field corn sequesters carbon from the air as it grows and stores it in the soil.
  • Ethanol is Made in America and supports clean, home-grown energy. Using E15 gas strengthens the economy both locally and nationally.
  • Ethanol is better for your car. It not only burns cleaner and cooler, for less wear and tear on your engine, but because it’s higher octane, it also enhances performance and increases horsepower.  Giddy up!

Will using E15 gas void my vehicle warranty?

No. Over 90% of 2019 cars were explicitly approved for the use of E15 according to their owners’ manuals, including Ford, GM, Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infinity, Subaru, Hyundai/Kia and even luxury brands like Jaguar and Land Rover. Not to mention, most warranties cover up to three years/36,000 miles, so if you’re driving a 2017 model or older, your warranty period is already up.

Not to mention, E15 was subject to the most extensive EPA testing in the history of motor fuels and found to be completely safe.

Can you blend E15 with other gasoline in the same tank?

Sure. You can add E15 gas to existing fuel in your tank at your next fill up.

Do I get the same gas mileage with E15 as other gasoline?

Yes. In fact, it might even be higher, since E15 burns cleaner and more efficiently.

Where can I get E15 gas for my car?

Most likely where you’re already buying gas! Colorado Springs is home to the largest concentration of E15 filling stations in the state, and it’s available at over 60 retailers. Just look for the blue hose! Check out this map to find a station that sells E15 near you.

What is the “Look for the Blue Hose” Campaign?

Look for the Blue Hose aims to raise awareness of E15 and the benefits of using for your car and your community. Our goal is to dispel some of the myths about E15 gas and increase sales. The campaign is a joint effort by Clean Cities, a program of the American Lung Association, and the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee.

How can I help?

Start by choosing E15 gas on your next fill up! Then, help us spread the word about the positive benefits of this higher blend of ethanol fuel by encouraging your friends and family to choose E15. And, if it’s not available at the station you typically visit, ask for it to be added to the selection.

Fact Cards: