The Ultimate Guide to E0 Gas: Ethanol-Free Fuel for Vehicles and Equipment
For decades, filling up at the pump was simple. Today, drivers and equipment owners face a confusing array of gasoline blends, including E10, E15, and the "pure" option, E0.
While most modern automobiles run fine on standard gas with ethanol, E0 gas has gained a dedicated following among boaters, classic car enthusiasts, and landscaping professionals. But is it worth the extra cost? Here is everything you need to know about finding—and budgeting for—ethanol free gas.
What Is E0 Gas?
E0 gas (short for "Ethanol Zero") refers to non-ethanol gas—fuel that contains 0% ethanol. It is 100% petroleum-based. Unlike the standard gas with ethanol found at most stations (which usually contains a percentage of ethanol around 10%), E0 contains no plant-based additives.
You will often see it labeled at pumps as:
Ethanol-Free
Rec-90 (90 Octane Recreational Fuel)
Pure Gas
The Effects of Ethanol: Why Avoid It?
To understand why many prefer ethanol-free fuel, you must understand the effects of ethanol on engines. Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs water from the atmosphere.
When using ethanol free gas, you avoid several major risks:
1. Phase Separation: In ethanol blends, absorbed water can sink to the bottom of the tank, leading to poor combustion.
2. Corrosion: Ethanol can act as a solvent, eating away at rubber gaskets and plastic components in older type of fuel systems.
3. Storage Issues: Ethanol gas degrades quickly (often in 3 months), whereas E0 remains stable for 6 months or more.
Best Uses: Who Needs E0 Gas?
While modern cars are designed to run ethanol blends without immediate issue, specific machinery suffers significantly from it.
1. Outdoor Power Equipment
This is the most critical use case. Small engines found in outdoor power equipment—specifically leaf blowers, chainsaws, trimmers, and lawnmowers—are highly sensitive. These engines often have tiny carburetor jets that get clogged by the varnish left behind when ethanol fuel evaporates.
Risk:
Leaving gas with ethanol in a leaf blower over the winter often leads to engine damage and costly repairs in the spring.
Verdict: Always use ethanol free fuel for outdoor power.
2. Marine Engines
Boats operate in high-moisture environments. Ethanol gas is prone to absorbing that moisture, which can destroy marine fuel systems.
Verdict: Marine engines should almost exclusively use E0.
- Classic Cars
Vehicles manufactured before the 1990s often use rubber fuel lines and fiberglass tanks incompatible with alcohol-based fuels.
Verdict: Essential for preservation.
Octane Ratings: 87 vs. 90
When looking for this fuel, pay attention to the octane rating.
90 Octane:
Most ethanol free fuel is sold as "Rec-90" or premium.
87 Octane:
It is rarer to find 87 octane E0, but it does exist in some rural areas.
Octane Unleaded:
Regardless of the rating, ensure the octane unleaded fuel matches your engine manufacturer's minimum requirements.
How to Find (and Price) Ethanol-Free Gas
Because federal mandates push for renewable fuels, E0 is not at every corner station. However, demand is growing. Finding it requires reliable data, as stations frequently change their fuel lineup—and their prices.
1. The Most Accurate Source: e0gas.com
When searching for a station, you need two things: accuracy and price. e0gas.com provides a distinct advantage over other directories:
Verified Data:
We use a rigorous two-step verification process. We aggregate official data from major fuel chains (like Wawa, Sheetz, and RaceTrac) and perform phone call verification to independent stations and marinas to confirm they currently stock E0.
Price Per Gallon:
Unlike basic maps, our listings often include the current price per gallon (where available). Since ethanol-free gas typically costs more than standard fuel, knowing the price before you drive can save you money.
2. The Calculator Tool
Is E0 worth the extra cost for your specific vehicle? We built a tool to help you decide.
Check the Math: Use our calculator at e0gas.com/calculator to estimate the total cost of filling your tank. You can compare the price difference between E0 and standard E10 to see if the benefits—like better mileage and storage stability—outweigh the premium price for your specific needs.
3. Other Resources
pure-gas.org:
A popular community-driven list. It is great for finding obscure locations, but because it relies on user uploads, prices and availability may not be current.
Local Marinas:
Virtually all marinas carry ethanol-free gas, though they often charge a premium for the convenience.
Benefits vs. Drawbacks
| Feature | E0 (Non-Ethanol Gas) | E10 (Gas with Ethanol) | Energy Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| High (Better Mileage) | Moderate (~3% less energy) | Storage Life | 6+ months |
Data Reliability
Verified on e0gas.com
Varies by station
Price Visibility
Price per gallon listed on e0gas.com
Often unknown until arrival
Cost
Higher (Premium pricing)
Standard / Lower
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of fuel depends on your application. For your daily commuter automobile, standard gasoline blends are cost-effective. However, for outdoor power equipment, classic cars, and boats, using ethanol free gas is the best insurance policy against costly repairs.
Don't drive blind. Use e0gas.com to find verified stations, check the price per gallon before you leave, and use our calculator to budget your next fill-up.