Ethanol Cars and Fueling Stations:
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is produced from various biomass materials such as corn, potato, cheese whey, paper
sludge and wood waste. When used as a transportation fuel, ethanol is referred to as E85, which
is an alcohol fuel comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Use of E85 as a transportation
fuel reduces harmful exhaust emissions from vehicles including greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, studies have shown that the production and use of ethanol adds value to local
farmer’s crops and strengthens local economy. Due to government subsidies, E85 is generally
slightly cheaper than regular (87-octane) gasoline.
What Cars Can Use E85?
Since 1996 Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have manufactured and sold over 1.6 million
flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) nationwide that are capable of operating on E85 fuel or conventional
gasoline. Of those FFVs, approximately 12,500 are in Wisconsin. FFVs are engineered to operate
on E85 fuel, gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels. Most drivers of these vehicles are unaware
of the flexible fuel nature of their vehicles. The following cars can run on E85, gasoline, or any
combination thereof, so if you drive one, give E85 a try! (check your owner’s manual for
verification):
Daimler Chrysler
2003
2.7L Dodge Stratus Sedan
2.7L Chrysler Sebring Sedan and
Convertible
3.3L Dodge Cargo Minivan
3.3L Chrysler Voyager minivan
3.3L Dodge Caravan minivan
3.3L Chrysler Town & Country minivan
2000, 2001 and 2002
3.3L Chrysler Voyager minivan
3.3L Dodge Caravan minivan
3.3L Chrysler Town & Country minivan
1998 and 1999
3.3L Dodge Caravan minivan
3.3L Plymouth Voyager minivan
3.3L Chrysler Town & Country minivan
Ford Motor Company
2002 and 2003
4.0L Explorer (4-door)
3.0L Taurus sedan and wagon
3.0L Supercab Ranger pickup 2WD
2001
3.0L Supercab Ranger pickup 2WD
3.0L Taurus LX, SE and SES sedan
1999 and 2000
3.0L Ranger pickup 4WD and 2WD
3.0L Taurus LX, SE and SES sedan
* Many 1995-98 Taurus 3.0L Sedans are
also FFVs
General Motors
2003
5.3L V-8 engine C