E85 is a fuel designed to be used for internal combustion engines, which is made by extracting sugars from various plants, and fermenting them using Zymase, an enzyme from yeast, which changes the simple sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Most E85 comes from Corn and refining it into Ethanol. The Ethanol fuel which is used by consumer vehicles contains a mixture of 85% Ethanol, and 15% Gasoline, hence the name E85. E85 fuel has a much higher octane rating than regular or premium gasoline, and costs around the same price. Ethanol is renewable, cleaner, pollutes less, is non-toxic and promotes environmentally concious forms of energy. It is produced in North America, which will help the agricultural economy, create jobs, strengthen the market, and it will reduce the dependence on foreign oil. E85 is biodegradable, and does not contaminate water, which will avoid any negative environmental effects if a spill occurs.

Where to get E85?

Most refineries and refueling stations that carry E85 are located within the Midwest “corn belt” of the United States, but locations are starting to reach further parts of the continent, and will continue to do so as the technology grows. Currently, Minnesota has the most E85 refuelling stations with 300, followed by illinois with 132 and missouri with 63. There are around 800 refeulling stations in the United States and around 200 not open to the public which are used for fleet and government.

For the 2007 racing season, The Indy Racing League has mandated the use of pure, fuel-grade ethanol for all cars in the series which furthers their commitment to using renewable, and environmentally friendly alternatives.