Automakers preparing for E15 use in 2014

There is some confusion in the marketplace about what cars and trucks are compatible with E15 fuel and which ones are not.  That was the basis for AAA coming out against E15 - they are concerned with consumers not knowing whether E15 is right for their vehicle and possibly putting it into a vehicle in which it can cause damage.  And even putting stickers on the pump telling drivers some verson of "do not dispense in vehicles older than 2012" still causes to confuse some consumers.

Despite this, most automakers are preparing themselves for higher levels of ethanol in the nation's fuel supply. Whether that will happen depends on the status of the Renewable Fuels Standard, but that's another show. For 2014, Ford has approved the use of E15 in all of its new cars, trucks and SUVs.  Many of the other automakers are following suit as well. General Motors has issued the same approvals, and have included 2012 and 2013. Manufacturers who have stated their 2014 vehicles will be E15 ready include Jaguar, Toyota, Mercedes, and Honda.  

So it appears consumers who buy the newest models should at least have more choice at the pump.

By contrast, we should also point out that two automakers, Jeep and Chrysler, are on record stating their vehicles shouldn't have anything higher than E10 put in them.

Speaking of the Renewable Fuels Standard, when we talked about its status, that refers to the debate going on in Congress and the EPA about whether to cut back the required amount of biofuels used in the nation's fuel supply. Here, biofuels would include ethanol and biodiesel. If they recommend to reduce the total amount required, that would lessen the amount of E15 required to be made in order to meet this total mandate amount.