Ethanol

Ethanol is greener, cleaner, and made from Wisconsin corn

When it comes to filling up our vehicles, we have a lot of choices at the pump. Let’s break down one of those options: ethanol. To begin with, there’s a good chance your vehicle is already running on some of this renewable fuel. Most gas in Wisconsin is blended with 10% ethanol. Unleaded 88 fuel is just a slightly higher blend with 15% ethanol.

This small change can make a big impact:

  • Unleaded 88 usually costs less than regular unleaded fuel, saving you money with every tankful.
  • Engines run cleaner with fewer GHG emissions, letting you breathe easier and curbing your environmental footprint.

But is it safe to use in my car?

  • If your vehicle is 2001 or newer it’s perfectly safe to use. In the U.S., 20+ billion miles have already been driven with Unleaded 88.
  • Unleaded 88 is also better for your engine, as the higher octane boosts horsepower and fuel efficiency.
White icon - Wisconsin

How available is Unleaded 88?

  • Unleaded 88 is available at lots of Wisconsin gas stations, typically right next to the “regular” unleaded pump. Just choose the pump with the 88 sticker.
  • Search for stations that carry Unleaded 88 here or here and for the lowest price in your area check out the GasBuddy app or website before your next fill up.

Ethanol fuel blends at a glance

All about the fuel choices

Still not sure exactly what you’re getting at the pump? Let’s break it down.
Fuel - Unleaded 87

Unleaded 87

  • 10% ethanol/90% petroleum-based gasoline – also called E10
  • OK to use in any gas vehicle or engine, including small engines, boats, lawn mowers, etc.
Fuel - Unleaded 88

Unleaded 88

  • 15% ethanol/85% petroleum-based gasoline – also called E15
  • Safe to use in all 2001 and newer vehicles (not approved for small engines)
Fuel - E85 Flex Fuel

E85 (Flex Fuel)

  • 85% ethanol, 15% petroleum-based gasoline
  • Only approved for use in FLEX FUEL vehicles – look for a yellow gas cap or ring on your vehicle

Wisconsin-grown ethanol is good for Wisconsin

“Plant-based ethanol provides an immediate solution to address climate change. Fuels like Unleaded 88 are a low carbon, renewable alternative to petroleum fuels that can help our planet and our pocketbooks. In fact, a 2021 study found GHG emissions from corn ethanol are 46% lower than gasoline.” – Randy Woodruff, Chippewa Falls farmer

“Unlike years ago, today’s ethanol is much more efficient to make. It takes 3x more energy to produce a gallon of petroleum-based gasoline than it does to make a gallon of ethanol. Today’s ethanol also isn’t an either-or option. We don’t have to choose if corn is used for fuel over food because technology and improved farm practices have allowed us to grow more corn on the same amount of land.” – Jim Birchman, Fennimore farmer

“I’m proud of the choices we’re making on our farm to grow corn more sustainably than ever with the least amount of impact on the natural resources we all care about. I hope you consider choosing Unleaded 88 the next time you’re at the station.” – Ryan Ripp, Lodi farmer

“Clean-burning ethanol is an alternative fuel for the 98% of non-electric vehicles on the road today. It’s a renewable, low carbon alternative to traditional gasoline produced locally here in Wisconsin.” – Casey Kelleher, Whitewater, Wis.