Did you know?
Ethanol is a renewable fuel that can be added to gasoline. You can use it: All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline with ethanol and over 1,000 fuel stations in Canada sell it.

What is ethanol?
Ethanol is a liquid alcohol that can be made from renewable resources such as plants. In Canada and the United States, ethanol is most commonly made from grains such as corn and wheat. As a fuel, ethanol is typically used as an additive to gasoline up to a 10% level.

Can I use gasoline with ethanol in my vehicle?
All gasoline vehicles made since the early 1980s can use gasoline with ethanol. All major vehicle manufacturers approve the use of up to 10% ethanol in their warranties. Your owner's manual contains the manufacturer's fuel recommendations.

Why should I use gasoline with ethanol?
The environment: Relative to gasoline, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. This is because the plant material used to make ethanol absorbs carbon dioxide (a main greenhouse gas) when it grows.

Use of renewable resources: Ethanol also reduces our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels. Producing ethanol generates new markets for agricultural products and other renewable resources.

Where can I buy gasoline with ethanol?
Over 1,000 fuel stations in Canada sell gasoline with ethanol. Look for the Environmental Choice logo (shown to the right), which tells you the gasoline contains at least 5% ethanol.

Can I use gasoline with ethanol year-round?
Yes, gasoline with ethanol can be used year-round. In fact, ethanol can serve as a gas line antifreeze.

Does ethanol affect fuel consumption?
Using gasoline with 10% ethanol can increase fuel consumption by about 2-3%. Many other factors, such as driving style and vehicle maintenance, have a much larger impact on fuel consumption. For example, driving at 120 km/h instead of 100 km/h can increase the fuel consumed on your trip by about 20%.

Is it possible to use higher levels of ethanol in gasoline?
Gasoline with 85% ethanol can be used in specially designed "Flex Fuel Vehicles" available from some manufacturers. However, with rare exceptions, this fuel is not sold at fuel stations in Canada.