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Fuel guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
What Is E85? Flex Fuel Vehicles Explained
E85 is a high-ethanol fuel that only flex fuel vehicles can use. Here is what the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) and fueleconomy.gov say about E85, how to tell if your vehicle is a flex fuel vehicle, what it does to gas mileage, and which recent Fords were rated for it.
51% to 83%ethanol in E85, depending on geography and season
15% to 27%fewer miles per gallon on E85 in flex fuel vehicles
Yellowgas caps on FFVs from most manufacturers as of model year 2008
2024model year of the most recent Ford FFV listing on fueleconomy.gov
The short answer
E85 (flex fuel) is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol. Only flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use it; it is not approved for gasoline-only models. FFVs typically get about 15% to 27% fewer miles per gallon on E85 than on gasoline. Look for a yellow gas cap or filler ring, a fuel-door label, FFV badges, or check your owner's manual. No 2025 or 2026 Ford is listed as E85-capable on fueleconomy.gov.
E10, E15 and E85
The number after the "E" is the percentage of ethanol by volume. The AFDC and fueleconomy.gov describe the common blends this way:
| Blend | Ethanol content | Which vehicles can use it | Effect on mpg vs. 100% gasoline |
|---|---|---|---|
| E10 | 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline | Approved by the EPA for any conventional gasoline vehicle; sold in every state | Typically 3% to 4% fewer miles per gallon |
| E15 | 10.5% to 15% ethanol | Model year 2001 and newer light-duty conventional vehicles; pumps must be labeled | Typically 4% to 5% fewer miles per gallon |
| E85 (flex fuel) | 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season | Flexible fuel vehicles only (gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%); not approved for gasoline-only models | FFVs typically get about 15% to 27% fewer mpg than on regular gasoline |
From the AFDC Ethanol Blends page and fueleconomy.gov's Ethanol page, read November 8, 2026. Fueleconomy.gov notes that most U.S. gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol and that ethanol contains about one-third less energy than gasoline.
Is your vehicle a flex fuel vehicle?
Flex fuel vehicles look just like gasoline-only models, so you may be driving one and not know it. Fueleconomy.gov suggests these checks:
Yellow gas cap or filler ring: most manufacturers started putting yellow gas caps on FFVs as of model year 2008 (2006 for General Motors). Some capless fuel fillers have a yellow ring around where you insert the nozzle.
Fuel door: some FFVs have a label on the fuel door indicating the fuel type.
Owner's manual: it usually specifies which fuels can be used in your vehicle.
Badges: terms such as "E85," "Flex-Fuel" or "FFV" on the body may indicate the vehicle can use E85.
The AFDC adds that, other than an ethanol-compatible fuel system and a different powertrain calibration, FFVs are similar to their gasoline-only counterparts.
From fueleconomy.gov's Flex-fuel Vehicles page and the AFDC Flexible Fuel Vehicles page, read November 8, 2026.
E85 and gas mileage
Mileage: ethanol has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so FFVs typically get about 15% to 27% fewer miles per gallon on E85, according to fueleconomy.gov. The range depends on the ethanol content: the low end reflects a 51% ethanol blend, and the high end comes from official EPA tests of recent FFVs on ethanol-free gasoline and on E85.
Performance: drivers should notice no performance loss, and some FFVs have more torque and horsepower on E85 than on regular gasoline.
Cost: E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline but slightly more expensive per mile, and the comparison varies by location and energy markets. Fueleconomy.gov's Flex Fuel Cost Calculator compares the two for a specific vehicle.
Availability: the AFDC says more than 4,200 public E85 stations in 44 states offer high-level ethanol blends, and its station locator shows where they are.
From fueleconomy.gov's Ethanol and Flex-fuel Vehicles pages and the AFDC E85 page, read November 8, 2026.
Recent Ford flex fuel ratings: gasoline vs. E85
These are the 2023 and 2024 Ford listings that fueleconomy.gov rates on both gasoline and E85, with names as listed there. Ratings are city / highway / combined mpg:
| Year | fueleconomy.gov listing | Engine and transmission | Stop-start | On gasoline | On E85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Explorer FFV AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 10-spd | No | 17 / 24 / 20 | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 2023 | Explorer FFV AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 10-spd | No | 17 / 25 / 20 | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10) | No | 19 / 23 / 20 | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10) | Yes | 19 / 24 / 21 | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | Yes | 17 / 25 / 20 | 12 / 19 / 15 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | No | 17 / 24 / 19 | 12 / 18 / 14 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S10) | Yes | 19 / 22 / 20 | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | No | 16 / 22 / 18 | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | Yes | 17 / 22 / 19 | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | Yes | 15 / 20 / 17 | 12 / 16 / 13 |
| 2023 | F150 Pickup Tremor 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic (S10) | No | 15 / 20 / 17 | 11 / 16 / 13 |
From records 47683, 46421, 46162 to 46165, 46173 to 46175, 46179 and 46180 on fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026. EPA ratings are for comparison; your mileage will vary. Each listing's owner's manual is the final word on approved fuels.
2025 and 2026 Fords and E85
None of the 62 Ford listings for model year 2026 on fueleconomy.gov is rated on E85; each is listed for regular gasoline, premium gasoline, electricity, or regular gasoline and electricity. The EPA fuel economy data file shows no 2025 Ford E85 listing either, and a single 2024 one, the Explorer FFV AWD.
The AFDC notes that recent changes to Corporate Average Fuel Economy credits for FFVs have reduced their availability. If you drive an earlier Ford, use the checks above or your owner's manual to see whether it is a flex fuel vehicle before choosing E85.
From the 2026 Ford model listing and records, the EPA vehicles data file on fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA) and the AFDC Flexible Fuel Vehicles page, read November 8, 2026.
Maintenance and service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Not sure which fuel your Ford takes? Our service team can help.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
E85 and flex fuel FAQ
What is E85?
E85, also called flex fuel, is a blend of gasoline and ethanol containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. Fueleconomy.gov says summer blends tend to have more ethanol and winter blends less. It can be used only in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).
Can I put E85 in a regular gas car?
No. The AFDC says E85 is not approved for use in gasoline-only models. Fueleconomy.gov says flexible fuel vehicles are specially designed to run on gasoline, E85 or any mixture of the two.
How do I know if my car is a flex fuel vehicle?
Fueleconomy.gov lists four checks: a yellow gas cap or a yellow ring around a capless fuel filler (most manufacturers started using yellow caps on FFVs as of model year 2008), a label on the fuel door, your owner's manual, and badges on the body such as "E85," "Flex-Fuel" or "FFV."
Does E85 lower gas mileage?
Yes. Because ethanol contains less energy than gasoline, fueleconomy.gov says flex fuel vehicles typically get about 15% to 27% fewer miles per gallon on E85, depending on the ethanol content.
Is E85 cheaper than gas?
Fueleconomy.gov says E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline but slightly more expensive per mile, and the comparison varies by location and energy markets. Its Flex Fuel Cost Calculator compares the two for your vehicle.
Do new Ford vehicles take E85?
Of the 2026 Ford cars, SUVs and pickups listed on fueleconomy.gov, none is listed as able to use E85, and no 2025 Ford is listed that way either. The most recent Ford flex fuel listing there is the 2024 Explorer FFV AWD. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle.
What about E10 and E15?
E10 (10% ethanol) is approved by the EPA for any conventional gasoline vehicle, and most U.S. gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol. E15 (10.5% to 15% ethanol) is approved for model year 2001 and newer light-duty conventional vehicles. Your owner's manual may list the maximum ethanol content the automaker recommends.
Does E85 hurt performance?
Fueleconomy.gov says drivers should notice no performance loss when using E85 in a flex fuel vehicle, and some FFVs have more torque and horsepower on E85 than on regular gasoline.
Questions about your fuel?
Schedule service with the Michigan City Ford team, or read our guide to getting better gas mileage.
Sources
E85, flex fuel vehicles, ethanol blends and E85 station counts are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 8, 2026. The flex fuel vehicle checks, mileage, cost and performance notes and the Ford gasoline and E85 ratings are from fueleconomy.gov, administered for the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, read the same day. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: E85 (Flex Fuel), U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), read November 8, 2026
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: Flexible Fuel Vehicles, U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), read November 8, 2026
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: Ethanol Blends, U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Flex-fuel Vehicles, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Ethanol, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- 2024 and 2023 Ford Explorer FFV AWD and 2023 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD FFV, 4WD FFV and Tremor 4WD FFV: EPA mpg on gasoline and E85 (records 47683, 46421, 46162 to 46165, 46173 to 46175, 46179, 46180; link opens record 47683), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- 2026 Ford model listing (62 listings; fuel type per record), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- EPA fuel economy data file (Ford model years 2023 to 2026, secondary fuel type), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026