Ethanol Facts

How does operating a vehicle on E85 reduce CO2 (greenhouse gas) emissions by about 25%?

Consuming E85, a fuel made from natural biomass, does not contribute to greenhouse gas accumulations because the carbon from the natural biomass would have been released naturally into the earth's atmosphere when the biomass decomposed naturally.

If the carbon released during feedstock farming and the subsequent production of ethanol is taken into account, ethanol derived from corn and combined with gasoline in an E85 fuel blend still contributes about 25% less CO2 into the earth's atmosphere compared with gasoline.

What Ford vehicles can use E85?

We now offer four flex fuel vehicles — Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car and, for the first time, the best-selling Ford F-150. Find out if your vehicle can use E85.

Can you drive as far on a gallon of E85 as you can on a gallon of gas? If not, why would customers choose E85 fuel?

It is true that there is less energy in a gallon of ethanol than in a gallon of gas. But ethanol is often less expensive than gasoline — currently E85 costs 20-30 cents less per gallon than gasoline.

Approximately how many E85 fueling stations are there in the U.S.?

There are about 600 E85 fueling stations in the United States.

Do you have plans to build the Escape Hybrid E85?

The Escape Hybrid E85 is a research vehicle that holds the potential to further expand the appeal of ethanol-capable vehicles. It is too early in the research and development to make a prediction about production.

Why are you subsidizing ethanol?

We are not subsidizing ethanol. We wish to encourage retail fuel providers to increase the number of outlets offering E85. We want to provide customers access to E85 retail fuel providers.

Bill Ford keeps saying that environmental responsibility is a key aspect of the company. But if that's true, how can you keep building large, truck-based SUVs?

We're committed to providing a full range of vehicles to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We have been leaders in reducing the emissions produced by our vehicles to further address air quality in our cities. Expedition, for instance, meets the stringent ULEV II standard for ultra low emissions performance.

Is ethanol the same as biodiesel?

No. Ethanol is blended with gasoline and used in combustion engines, whereas biodiesel fuel, like petroleum diesel, is used in compression-ignition engines. Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel alternative derived from renewable liquid feedstocks, such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats.