What is E85?

May 05, 2023
What is E85?

Are you looking to upgrade your ride's performance? Well, have you heard of flex fuel—specifically, E85 flex fuel? If you haven’t yet, let me tell you all about it and why you should consider it.

First, what is flex fuel? In simple terms, flex fuel refers to an engine that can run on a variety of fuel types, typically gasoline and ethanol blends. This is where E85 fuel comes into play. E85 is an ethanol blend that contains up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This blend is commonly referred to as "ethanol e85" or simply "E85".


Now, you may be wondering what the benefits of running on E85 are. For starters, E85 has a higher octane rating than gasoline. This means that it can handle more compression and produce more power. Not to mention, ethanol has a higher oxygen content, which helps the engine burn fuel more efficiently. This results in better performance and improved fuel economy. E85 can add additional power and performance to your engine, and using a flex fuel system like Advanced Fuel Dynamics ProFlex Commander, the process becomes really simple. 


Another benefit of E85 is that it's a renewable fuel source. Ethanol is made from plant-based materials, such as corn, wheat, or even sugarcane. This means that E85 is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline. Plus, since E85 is domestically produced, it reduces our dependence on foreign oil. The biggest drawback right now is not having the right tools that can make that happen for your own car.


But, before you run out and fill up on E85, you'll need to make sure your fuel system is compatible. Many newer vehicles, such as the Ford flex fuel models, come equipped with a flex fuel sensor. This sensor is designed to detect the ethanol content in the fuel and adjust the engine's timing and fuel delivery accordingly. However, if your vehicle isn't flex fuel compatible, you'll need to upgrade your fuel system with an ethanol sensor and other necessary components.


Now, you may be thinking, "This all sounds great, but where can I find E85 ethanol near me?" Luckily, E85 is becoming more widely available. Many gas stations now offer E85 as an alternative fuel option. Following gasoline’s recent spike due to economic pressures worldwide, the cost of E85 gas prices can be significantly less expensive than traditional gasoline in many markets. And with the improved performance and fuel economy E85 can provide, taking advantage of it makes more sense than ever!

The picture has two images, one of a Ford Mustang GT and the other a graph of the horsepower output of the engine using E85 fuel from a dynamometer,

So, why should you consider upgrading to E85 flex fuel? Well, the benefits speak for themselves. Better performance, improved fuel economy, and a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline. And, with E85 becoming more widely available, there's never been a better time to make the switch.


But, before you do, make sure your fuel system is compatible. And, if it's not, consider purchasing an E85 flex fuel kit from Advanced Fuel Dynamics. Our kits are designed to make upgrading your fuel system a breeze. With our ethanol sensor and other necessary components, you'll be up and running on E85 in no time.


So, what are you waiting for? Upgrade your ride and join the flex fuel revolution with E85.