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OED > Bio & Alternative Fuels > Biofuels Biofuels

Biofuels are renewable, domestically produced fuels that can be blended with gasoline can run automobile engines. Biofuels are made either from plants or animal products, and the two major types of biofuels used for transportation are biodiesel and ethanol. Both biodiesel and ethanol reduced the amount of gasoline needed per mile driven.

Biodiesel can be used by itself or blended with gasoline in varying concentrations. B100 is pure biodiesel, but B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) and B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% petroleum diesel) are common blends. Biodiesel and biodiesel blends are used by diesel engines and burn more cleanly than petrodiesel.

Ethanol used in the US is made primarily from the starch in corn grain. Ethanol is regularly blended with gasoline at low levels, but some gas stations offer E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). However, only flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use E85. FFVs can be fueled with unleaded gasoline, E85, or a combination of the two.

For more information on biodiesel and ethanol, view our E85/B20 FAQs page.

Flex Fuel Vehicles for Biofuels

Most vehicles produced after September, 2006 should be flex fuel and can handle up to 85% ethanol content. However, check whether your vehicle is flex fuel at the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.

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