Is ethanol-based fuel actually bad for your car?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) originally determined that E15 fuel was suitable for vehicles manufactured after 2007. However, automakers then filed a lawsuit against the EPA and its motion to endorse the renewable fuel, making it illegal. E15 is essentially gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol. The auto industry determined that the fuel was unsuitable because many older vehicles were vulnerable to some of its effects. So with ethanol based fuels basically outlawed, consumers had to continue to be reliant on ruthless oil companies. 

Some believe that the oil companies are taking advantage of consumers on this basis.

“We are writing to express concerns that oil companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices aimed at blocking market access for renewable fuels,” says Grassley, an Iowa government state representative.


New research has emerged suggesting that the fuel is indeed safe for all models built in 2001 or later, which verifies E15 proponents' claims that consumers were being misled. Ultimately, the EPA endorsed the ethanol-based fuel and now it is up to businesses and the consumer to adopt E15.

There are many advantages to producing and using E15 fuel. Ethanol is produced domestically which will create jobs, not to mention lessen our staggering reliance on foreign oil. It will also effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions by 59%. Another benefit to consuming E15 rather than standard gasoline is the reduced risk of oil spills, considering that much less oil will have to be transported across the ocean. The fuel is also 100% renewable. 

Along with all the pros listed above, there is one last thing to consider. E15 is cheap. It's relatively inexpensive to produce compared to gasoline, and that translates to lower prices at the gas pump. 

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