E85, the blend of fuel consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, continues to receive plenty of positive press thanks in part to the efforts of American automakers to tout the availability of certain vehicles capable of running on this important fuel source. While the concept of E85 is good -- ethanol lowers our dependence on foreign oil and promotes a cleaner environment -- its availability is currently very limited. Efforts to change all of that are currently underway, but it could take years to make the transition. Please read on to learn what is being done to broaden E85 availability nationwide.

E85 is not some fad nor is it likely to gain full traction any time soon. Back in the days of the first Henry Ford, the Model T was designed to run on either straight gasoline or ethanol. However, historically low gas prices kept ethanol from gaining ground and this alternative fuel source has never fully caught on.

During the 1980s, ethanol once again made news when the alternate fuel was put in as an additive to gasoline. Today, all vehicles that are built can run on as much as 10% ethanol in a bid by the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower our dependency on foreign oil.

E85 can only be used in vehicles built expressly for that purpose. Special fuel lines are installed to help thwart corrosion, a bane of ethanol. So, if your vehicle hasn