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Save Money at the Pump With Unleaded 88 (E15 Fuel)
Looking for another option at the pump? Unleaded 88, also known as E15 fuel, is made with 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline and carries an 88-octane rating.
If your vehicle is compatible, Unleaded 88 can give you another everyday fuel choice while also supporting demand for corn used in ethanol production.
You may also save at the pump. On average, Unleaded 88 can cost about $0.25 less per gallon than conventional regular gasoline, though actual savings vary by location and fuel prices.
What Is Unleaded 88 (E15 Fuel)?
Unleaded 88 is gasoline blended with ethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines E15 as gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol, while Unleaded 88 is the common retail name drivers may see at the pump.
So, is Unleaded 88 ethanol-free? No. Ethanol is an important part of the blend.
Most regular gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol and is commonly known as E10. E15 contains a higher percentage of ethanol and carries an 88-octane rating. Ethanol itself has a higher octane number than gasoline, which is why it is commonly used as a gasoline blending component.
Can I Use Unleaded 88 in My Car?
If your vehicle was built in model year 2001 or later, there is a good chance you can use E15.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows E15 in:
- model-year 2001 and newer cars;
- model-year 2001 and newer light-duty trucks;
- model-year 2001 and newer medium-duty passenger vehicles, including SUVs; and
- flexible-fuel vehicles.
However, E15 vehicle compatibility does not include every gasoline-powered engine.
Do not use E15 in:
- model-year 2000 and older cars, light-duty trucks, or medium-duty passenger vehicles;
- motorcycles;
- boats or snowmobiles;
- lawnmowers, chainsaws, and similar nonroad equipment; or
- vehicles with heavy-duty engines, such as buses and some delivery trucks.
If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual and the fuel label at the pump before filling up.
Unleaded 88 vs. Regular 87 Gas: What Is the Difference?
The numbers 87 and 88 refer to octane ratings, but that is not the only difference.
Regular 87-octane gasoline commonly contains up to 10% ethanol, while Unleaded 88 is E15 and contains 15% ethanol. Unleaded 88 also carries an 88-octane rating.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, which gives it useful blending properties.
If you normally use 87 gas, do not look only at the octane number. Make sure your vehicle is approved to use E15 fuel before switching.
What Are the Benefits of Unleaded 88?
There are several reasons you may consider Unleaded 88 at the pump.
Save at the Pump
Unleaded 88 can offer savings compared with conventional regular gasoline. The current Ohio Corn & Wheat campaign highlights average savings of about $0.25 per gallon, although the actual difference will depend on the station and current fuel prices.
The simplest approach is to compare the posted prices when you fill up.
Get More Ethanol in Each Gallon
E15 contains a higher share of ethanol than E10. In the United States, most ethanol is produced from corn grain.
That means choosing E15 can also support demand for corn used in renewable fuel production.
Support Ohio Corn Demand
When you choose a higher-ethanol blend, you are helping support an additional market for corn.
That market matters to Ohio growers because expanding demand for corn is an important part of strengthening long-term opportunities for the state’s agricultural economy.
Does E15 Gas Mileage Differ From Regular Gas?
You may be wondering whether E15 gas mileage differs from what you normally see with regular gasoline.
Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, so blends with more ethanol can produce a small difference in fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the effect depends on the amount of ethanol in the fuel and how the engine is designed to operate.
Because E15 contains only five percentage points more ethanol than E10, the difference is much smaller than it would be with a high-ethanol blend such as E85.
Your actual mileage can also vary based on your vehicle, driving habits, weather, speed, and other conditions.
When comparing fuel choices, consider both the price per gallon and how your own vehicle performs.
Where Can Ohio Drivers Find E15 Fuel?
If you are looking for ethanol fuel in Ohio, you can find Unleaded 88 at participating fuel retailers.
Availability can change as more stations add E15, so a live station finder is more useful than a fixed list of locations.
Ohio's Ethanol Industry Impact
Choosing Unleaded 88 can connect your everyday fuel purchase with Ohio agriculture.
Ohio is home to seven ethanol plants and ranks seventh in the nation for ethanol production. The state’s ethanol industry also helps support nearly 14,000 jobs.
Each time you fill up with Unleaded 88, you are supporting:
Ohio Farmers
Corn grown in Ohio is processed into ethanol, creating another market for the crop and helping farmers get more value from every acre.
Ohio Jobs
Ethanol production supports jobs connected with plant operations, transportation, construction, maintenance, agriculture, and related industries.
Stronger Rural Communities
Ethanol plants bring investment and economic activity to communities across the state, helping connect agriculture with local industry.
When you choose Unleaded 88, your fuel purchase can also help support Ohio’s agricultural communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unleaded 88
Is Unleaded 88 okay for my car?
If you drive a model-year 2001 or newer car, light-duty truck, or medium-duty passenger vehicle, E15 is permitted by the EPA for that vehicle category. If you are unsure about your specific vehicle, check your owner’s manual.
Why is Unleaded 88 often cheaper than regular gas?
The price difference can vary based on gasoline and ethanol markets, location, and retailer pricing. Unleaded 88 may cost less than conventional regular gasoline, but the savings will not be identical at every station.
Can I use 88 gas if I normally use 87?
If your vehicle is approved for E15, Unleaded 88 may be an option. The difference is not only the octane rating; Unleaded 88 also contains more ethanol than typical E10 gasoline.
Is Unleaded 88 the same as E15 fuel?
Yes. Unleaded 88 is a common retail name for E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
Is Unleaded 88 ethanol-free?
No. Unleaded 88 contains ethanol. E15 is made with 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
Learn More About Unleaded 88 and Ohio Corn
Choosing Unleaded 88 isn’t just beneficial for your wallet; it’s also a way to reinvest in Ohio’s heartland and support the agricultural communities that help keep the state moving.
Every gallon of higher-ethanol fuel helps support demand for corn, creating another connection between what you choose at the pump and the farmers who grow the crop.
If you want to learn more about Ohio Corn & Wheat, our corn programs, or how ethanol supports Ohio agriculture, we’re here to help.
