Why Iowa drivers are choosing E15 to save money on gas

With the price of so many essentials climbing higher, my family is looking for creative ways to save money.

Many of our budgeting efforts are time-consuming (and boring), like shopping around for lower insurance rates or a cheaper phone plan.

Yet I find that the easiest way to save money is to make it a habit. And for me, one of those habits is choosing E15, or Unleaded 88, at the gas pump.

Here in Iowa, we are fortunate to have a homegrown fuel choice that helps us save money and is better for the environment.

E15 is a 15% ethanol blend made from Iowa-grown corn. You will often see E15 labeled as “Unleaded 88,” referring to the octane level.

E15 costs 10 to 30 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded fuel, saving drivers up to 18% at the pump.

And these small savings can add up over time, especially for families trying to stretch every dollar. Iowa drivers saved about $61.5 million in 2025 by choosing E15, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

E15 is also higher in octane, which can benefit engine performance.

Plus, ethanol is a cleaner fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 50% compared to regular gasoline, according to recent studies by Harvard, USDA and the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.

I know it can feel a little odd to try something new, especially when it comes to fueling up your car. You don’t want to make a costly mistake.

But it’s OK to start a new habit and choose E15 at the gas pump.

E15 is approved for all 2001 and newer vehicles, or about 90% of the cars on the road. And motorists have driven more than 20 billion miles on E15 without any reported issues.

By choosing E15, you will save money, improve Iowa’s air quality and help support engine performance.

I wish saving money was always this easy. I would much rather take 3 seconds to select E15 at the gas pump than spend 3 hours comparing insurance rates.

More than 1,062 gas stations in Iowa offer E15, or over one-half the fuel retailers in the state. Visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website to find E15 gas stations in Iowa and learn more about Unleaded 88 benefits.

Learn more about author Teresa Bjork here.