E85 Kiosk in the Minnesota Airport

January 2003

More than nine million travelers will see a new E85 Kiosk in the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport this coming year. The 12-foot marquee and antique fuel pump are reminiscent of an old-time service station, while the high-tech touch screen entices visitors to test their knowledge with questions on E85 and flexible fuel vehicles. The exhibit's tagline, "Use E85 Fuel . . . We'll Grow More," expresses the connection between agriculture and renewable energy.

E85 is an alternative transportation fuel consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles. As of 2002, there are approximately 85,000 such vehicles registered in Minnesota. Although year-end statistics are not yet available, Minnesota sales of E85 are expected to have increased by 60% in 2002 over the previous year. Prices for E85 vary considerably across the state, but most stations charge $0.15 to $0.20 less per gallon for 105-octane E85 than they do for 87-octane gasoline.

Minnesota's E85 kiosk is user-friendly and packed with facts about the benefits of E85. Credit: Tim Gerlach

The exhibit is sponsored by the Minnesota E85 Team, which is a coalition that includes the energy office, among others:

• American Lung Association of Minnesota
• Ford Motor Company
• Minnesota Corn Growers Association
• Minnesota Coalition for Ethanol
• Minnesota Department of Commerce (Energy Office)
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance
• National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
• U. S. Department of Energy Clean Cities

By the end of 2002, four new E85 fueling outlets opened in Minnesota. This addition brings the state's total to 70 stations, which is the largest number of E85 stations in any state in the country. Currently there are 10 additional E85 stations in various stages of development.