More than 93 percent of 2019 model year (MY) vehicles are “explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use 15 percent ethanol blends (E15),” according to the latest analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). That’s four percent more than the approximately 89 percent of MY 2018 vehicles that were E15 approved.

Automakers began specifically approving E15 in owner’s manuals and warranty statements in 2012, the first year E15 was sold commercially, and the makes and models included have been increasing every year since then, with 28 of the 32 vehicle lines reviewed in this analysis carrying manufacturer’s approval. For the first time, Subaru is now approving the use of E15 in several of its most popular models for MY 2019, including the Ascent, Crosstrek and Impreza. Mercedes-Benz and Mazda, BMW, Volvo, and Mitsubishi are the only manufacturers not on the list.

“As this analysis shows, virtually all new vehicles are clearly approved by the manufacturer to use E15, a cleaner and cheaper fuel blend that is available today at more than 1,400 stations in 29 states,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We applaud Subaru for approving E15 in many of its new models for the first time, and we will continue to work with the few remaining automakers who do not yet list E15 as an approved fuel.”

RFA held a panel teleconference Thursday to address some of the false and misleading information about E15 being spread by ethanol opponents, including its use in vehicles and marine engines, as well as its impact on air quality. Participating were:

• Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
• Janet Yanowitz, P.E., PhD, Ecoengineering, Inc – Air Quality Expert
• Gary Burris, Owner Sport World Boat Center – Marine Engines Expert
• Matt Morrison, RFA Outside Counsel
• Gary Herwick, Auto Industry Expert

Listen to remarks from each participant here: RFA panel teleconference on E15