What is Ethanol?

Fuel ethanol is a high-octane alcohol produced from the fermentation of sugar or converted starch, usually from a grain feedstock such as corn or wheat. Ethanol may also be derived from cellulosic materials such as forestry waste (e.g. wood waste) and agricultural crop residues, or derived chemically from ethylene or ethane.

Fuel ethanol is typically used as an additive to gasoline, blended at a 5% concentration with gasoline (E5) or a 10% concentration (E10).

Pure ethanol or high ethanol concentrations, such as 85% ethanol blended with 15% gasoline (E85), require modifications to the engine.