80% of new vehicle models manufacturer-approved to use E15
More than 80% of 2017 model year vehicles are "explicitly approved" to use 15% ethanol (E15) blends, a rise of 10% on the previous year, according to a report from the Renewable Fuels Association. The report also revealed Hyundai and Kia have approved the use of E15 in their 2017 vehicles, joining the likes of Chrysler, General Motors and Ford. Nissan is the only major car manufacturer not to approve the use of E15 fuels.
In Washington, a report issued by the Renewable Fuels Association found that more than 80 percent of new 2017 model year vehicles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use 15 percent ethanol blends. RFA notes that the figure last year was 70 percent.

In addition, Hyundai Motor Company has approved the use of E15 in MY 2017 Hyundai and Kia vehicles, joining the majority of its auto competitors. Together, Hyundai and Kia represent slightly more than 8 percent of the U.S. light-duty automobile market. And Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, which collectively represent 45 percent of U.S. market share, all clearly allow E15 in their vehicles. GM started approving the use of E15 with its MY 2012 vehicles, while Ford joined the following year and Chrysler began E15 approval with its MY 2016 vehicles. include Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and Tata Motors (maker of Land Rover and Jaguar). Nissan Motor Corporation remains the largest vehicle manufacturer that does not explicitly approve E15 in its vehicles.

Of note, says the report, “BMW Group’s Mini vehicles again allow the use of 25 percent ethanol blends. The manufacturer states, “Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 25 percent, i.e., E10 or E25, may be used for refueling.”

E15 is sold today at nearly 400 retail stations in 28 states, including major chains such as Sheetz, Thorntons, RaceTrac, Kum & Go and Murphy USA.

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