Fleet managers have expressed concerns over gasoline stations switching over to E15 gasoline – with 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline – from the current blend of E10. NAFA Fleet Management Association was pleased to hear the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ease the renewable fuel standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations for 2014. Fleet managers and automakers have shared concerns over the damage this could cause to these core assets. READ MORE
This decision alleviates concerns of NAFA and fleet managers that the approaching blend wall would result in the mandated use of E-15, a fuel level that many vehicle fleet managers fear would void vehicle warranties, damage engines, and cause damage to underground storage tank systems. “E-15 is an issue we have been following closely,” explained NAFA’s Executive Director Phillip Russo. “NAFA retains legislative counsels in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Canada to follow issues that could affect fleets, such as the E-15 situation. Many vehicles currently on the road and used in businesses throughout the country by our Members, were simply not made to operate on gasoline higher than E10. The warranty issue is very real and has been raised by several auto manufacturers in conversations with our legislative team. In addition, with respect to underground storage tank systems, there are no tank or components currently available that have been certified as compatible with E-15. Due to issues such as these, NAFA provided comments to the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier in the year as background for their review of the RFS.”
“Although fleet managers strongly support protecting and sustaining our environment, the potential difficulties and related expenses that will result by introducing E-15 before it is fully evaluated will outpace our ability to address the mechanical problems that will result,” Russo said.
