Ethanol
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made primarily from plant-based materials such as corn and wheat. It is blended with gasoline to lower the fuel’s lifecycle carbon intensity and increase renewable content.
Canada has an established ethanol industry, producing approximately 1.8 billion litres annually. Ethanol is already widely used in gasoline sold across the country, and demand is expected to grow as renewable fuel requirements and lower-carbon fuel policies evolve.
How is ethanol made?
Ethanol is generally produced by converting starches or sugars from renewable feedstocks into fuel-grade alcohol.
The main steps include:
- Feedstock preparation: Crops or other biomass are processed to release fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: Yeast converts the sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- Distillation: The ethanol is separated and concentrated.
- Dehydration: Remaining water is removed to produce ethanol suitable for blending with gasoline.
Production methods can vary depending on the feedstock and facility.
Ethanol in Canada’s fuel supply
Ethanol has been part of Canada’s transportation fuel system for many years.
Most gasoline sold in Canada contains some ethanol. E10, containing up to 10% ethanol, is widely used, while E15, containing up to 15% ethanol, is beginning to become more available in some markets.
Federal and provincial policies support renewable fuel use and lower-carbon gasoline. Several provinces have renewable-content requirements that are increasing over time.
Canadian ethanol production also supports domestic supply chains linking agriculture, renewable fuel production, refining, distribution and retail.
Understanding ethanol blends
The number associated with an ethanol blend indicates the maximum percentage of ethanol it contains.
E10 contains up to 10% ethanol and has been widely used in Canada for many years.
E15 contains up to 15% ethanol and at least 85% gasoline. It provides another way to increase renewable content and reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of gasoline.
Higher ethanol blends are also available for vehicles specifically designed for them.
Consumers should always use a fuel that is approved by their vehicle or equipment manufacturer.
E15: What consumers need to know
As E15 becomes available at more Canadian retail locations, drivers may have questions about what it is, whether it is appropriate for their vehicle and how to identify it at the pump.
What is E15?
E15 is gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol and at least 85% gasoline.
It builds on E10, which has been widely used in Canada for many years, by increasing the amount of renewable fuel blended into gasoline.
Why is E15 being introduced?
E15 provides fuel suppliers with another option to increase renewable fuel use and reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of gasoline.
Provincial renewable fuel requirements are an important driver of increased ethanol blending, along with federal policies designed to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.
E15 will be introduced gradually, and the fuels available can vary by province, retailer and location.
Is E15 safe to use in my vehicle?
E15 can be used in vehicles whose manufacturers approve gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol which was approved by US EPA in 2001. Some vehicle manufacturers formally approved E15 in 2012
Compatibility varies by make, model and model year. The best source of information is your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the vehicle manufacturer.
When used in an approved vehicle, E15 is designed to meet applicable Canadian fuel-quality requirements and work with the vehicle’s engine and fuel system.
If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before using E15.
How do I know whether the gasoline at the pump contains E15?
Look for labels or signs on the pump identifying the ethanol content or indicating that the gasoline may contain up to 15XX% ethanol.
Fuel offerings can vary by location.
Before filling up:
- Check the pump label or signage.
- Confirm the fuel is appropriate for your vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer if you are unsure what fuel your vehicle can use.
Can I use E15 in a lawnmower, boat or other small engine?
E15 should not be considered a universal fuel for small engines or recreational equipment.
Equipment such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, portable generators, boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs may have different fuel requirements.
Some are designed for gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol.
Always follow the fuel recommendation provided by the equipment manufacturer. Do not use E15 unless the manufacturer indicates that the equipment is compatible with it.
What happens if I use a fuel with more ethanol than recommended?
Using a fuel that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications can affect performance or components of some vehicles and equipment.
This is particularly important for older vehicles, small engines, marine equipment and recreational vehicles.
Follow the manufacturer’s fuel recommendation to ensure proper operation and maintain applicable warranty coverage.
Will E10 still be available?
Although fuel offerings will vary by province and retailer as ethanol requirements evolve, E10 and other products will remain available for some time even with the introduction of E15 into the Canadian market.
Consumers should always check pump labelling and retailer information to understand which fuels are available at a particular location.
Does E15 meet Canadian fuel-quality requirements?
Gasoline sold in Canada must meet applicable regulatory and fuel-quality requirements.
Canadian fuel standards include specifications for gasoline containing ethanol, including blends containing up to 15% ethanol.
What are the benefits of E15?
Increasing ethanol content from E10 to E15 can:
- increase the use of renewable fuel in Canada’s gasoline supply;
- lower the lifecycle carbon intensity of gasoline; lessening the environmental impact of transportation fuels
- support domestic ethanol production and Canadian supply chains; and
- provide fuel suppliers with another pathway to meet evolving renewable fuel and emissions requirements.
The bottom line on E15
Use E15 only if it is approved for your vehicle or equipment.
Check the pump label to identify the fuel you are purchasing.
If you are uncertain whether E15 is appropriate for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
The road ahead for ethanol
Ethanol is expected to play a growing role as Canada’s transportation fuel system evolves.
Demand could increase significantly toward 2030 as ethanol blend levels rise in response to federal and provincial policies. This creates an opportunity to increase domestic production and strengthen Canadian renewable fuel supply chains.
CFA members are investing in the production, infrastructure and distribution systems needed to support increased ethanol use.
With competitive investment conditions and predictable policies, Canada can build on its existing ethanol industry to increase domestic lower-carbon fuel production, strengthen energy security and support economic activity while reducing transportation emissions.
