October 2nd, 2025

When most daily drivers think about E85, they focus on cost savings and environmental benefits. But there’s another important advantage that appeals to an entirely different audience: performance. Due to its naturally high octane rating, E85 can unlock more power and efficiency in certain vehicles. 

What is Octane and Why Does It Matter?

Octane is a measure of how much pressure fuel can handle inside the engine before it ignites. Fuels with higher octane can tolerate greater compression. This allows specific engines to run more efficiently and at higher performance rates. Higher octane fuels give engines the freedom to “perform” without the premature combustion that can cause reduced power or operating issues. 

With a research octane number above 100, E85 bests regular gasoline (87) and even premium gas (91). That makes it an excellent choice for performance engines. Flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) and performance engines converted to run on E85 can take advantage of this extra octane by running more aggressively, often translating to: increased horsepower, improved torque, and cooler running temperatures. 

Real-World Benefits

For everyday drivers, this can mean smoother performance and more consistent acceleration. For enthusiasts and those using vehicles in performance-based conditions, E85’s high octane gives an extra performance boost that standard fuels can’t. Even better, these advantages come alongside E85’s lower price and its role in reducing harmful emissions.

Choosing E85 means you don’t have to pick between savings, sustainability, and power – you can have it all. That’s why more drivers are discovering E85 not just as a cost-effective alternative, but as a performance fuel with added perks.