Free Guide to Finding E85 Gas Stations Nearby

What is E85 Fuel and Why People Use It

E85 is a type of gasoline blend that contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made primarily from corn. This fuel type has become increasingly common across the United States, with availability growing each year. As of 2024, there are over 4,200 E85 fueling stations operating in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.

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People choose E85 fuel for several reasons. First, ethanol is a renewable fuel source produced from agricultural products, which appeals to drivers interested in sustainability. Second, E85 typically costs less per gallon compared to regular unleaded gasoline—often 20 to 40 cents cheaper, though prices vary by region and market conditions. Third, some drivers use it because their vehicles are specifically designed to run on flex fuel, meaning they can switch between E85 and regular gasoline depending on price and availability.

However, not all vehicles can use E85 safely. Only flex fuel vehicles, sometimes called FFVs, have engines designed to handle the higher ethanol content. These vehicles have special fuel pumps, seals, and engine components that can tolerate ethanol's properties. If you try to use E85 in a regular gasoline vehicle, it can damage the fuel system over time. You can find out if your vehicle is flex fuel capable by checking your owner's manual, looking at the fuel door inside your car (which may have an "E85" label), or searching your vehicle's make and model on the Department of Energy's vehicle database.

One practical consideration: E85 contains less energy per gallon than regular gasoline, so you may see slightly lower fuel economy—typically between 15 and 30 percent less. This means you might need to refuel more frequently, even though the per-gallon cost is lower.

Takeaway: Before looking for E85 stations, confirm your vehicle can use E85 fuel by checking your owner's manual or vehicle identification information.

How to Search for E85 Stations Using Government Resources

The most reliable way to find E85 stations near you is through the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, available at afdc.energy.gov. This government website is free and contains information about alternative fuel stations across the country, including E85 locations. The database includes over 50,000 public fueling stations of various types.

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To use this resource, visit the website and select "Find a Station" from the main menu. Choose "E85" from the fuel type dropdown menu. You can then enter your address, city, or zip code to search for nearby stations. The map will display results with pins showing each E85 station's location, address, and hours of operation. Many listings include additional details such as whether the station accepts specific payment methods, accepts credit cards, has a rewards program, or offers other fuel types.

The database allows you to filter results by distance—you can view stations within 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles, or 50 miles of your location. This feature helps you find the most convenient option based on your travel patterns. The search results also show whether each station is public (open to all drivers) or private (limited to specific vehicle fleets or business use). You'll want to focus on public stations for personal vehicle use.

Another government resource is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's fuel finder at fueleconomy.gov, which provides information about fuel types and where to find them. While this site focuses primarily on fuel economy information, it can point you toward regional E85 availability and trends.

You can also contact your state's energy office or environmental agency. Many states maintain their own databases of alternative fuel stations and can provide region-specific information about E85 availability and pricing trends in your area.

Takeaway: Start your E85 station search at afdc.energy.gov, which offers the most complete and up-to-date public database of E85 locations across America.

Using Mobile Apps and Private Mapping Services

Beyond government websites, several mobile applications can help you locate E85 stations. GasBuddy, a popular fuel price comparison app, includes E85 station locations in its database. The app allows you to search by fuel type and shows pricing information when available, helping you compare costs across stations in your area. GasBuddy is available for both iPhone and Android devices and can show stations along your route if you're traveling.

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Speedway and Casey's, two major convenience store chains that operate fuel stations, have their own apps. If either chain operates in your region and offers E85, their apps can show you specific locations and current pricing. These apps often include rewards program information, allowing you to track loyalty points and discounts.

Google Maps represents another practical tool. You can search "E85 near me" in Google Maps to see nearby stations. While Google's database may not be as comprehensive as the Department of Energy's resource, it integrates with navigation tools, making it useful if you're already using Google for directions. You can see reviews, hours of operation, and call stations directly from the app.

Several oil company apps provide similar functionality. Shell, Chevron, Valero, and other fuel retailers have mobile applications that show their station locations. However, not all stations operated by these companies offer E85, so you'll need to check whether the specific locations you find actually have E85 available.

A practical tip: when you find an E85 station through any app or website, call ahead before making a trip. Some stations occasionally run out of E85 or may discontinue it without updating their online listings. A quick phone call confirms the fuel is in stock.

Takeaway: Download GasBuddy or use Google Maps as convenient supplements to the government database, but verify availability by calling before you visit.

Regional Availability and Where E85 is Most Common

E85 availability varies significantly across the United States. The Midwest, particularly Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, and Minnesota, has the highest concentration of E85 stations. This makes sense because these states are major corn-producing regions, and ethanol production happens primarily in these areas. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, Iowa alone has over 400 E85 stations—more than any other state.

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The Great Plains and Mountain West regions have moderate E85 availability, with stations becoming more common along major highways and in larger cities. States like Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma have growing numbers of E85 stations, though they remain less common than in the Midwest.

The Northeast and Southeast have historically had lower E85 availability, though this is changing. In states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, you'll find E85 stations, but they're less densely distributed. Major urban areas typically have at least a few options, while rural areas may have limited access.

The West Coast presents a mixed picture. California, Oregon, and Washington have increasing E85 availability in urban areas, but overall station density remains lower than in the Midwest. Rural areas in these states may have no E85 stations for 50 miles or more.

Understanding your region's availability matters for practical planning. If you live in a region with few E85 stations, you may want to keep track of where the nearest ones are located. If you travel frequently between regions, knowing where to expect E85 availability along your route helps you plan fuel stops. Websites like afdc.energy.gov include maps showing state-by-state availability, which can help you understand regional trends.

Takeaway: Check your state's E85 availability on afdc.energy.gov to understand whether E85 is a practical fuel option for your regular driving or travel patterns.

Payment Methods and Planning Your Fuel Purchases

E85 stations accept payment through various methods, though availability depends on the specific location. Most E85 stations accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Some stations accept debit cards. However, not all E85 fueling locations accept all payment types, so this information matters when planning your fuel purchases.

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When searching for E85 stations on afdc.energy.gov, the station details often specify which payment methods are accepted. Check this information when adding a station to your mental map of available E85 locations.