3.3. Key quality characteristics of E15 in selected states

SGS has conducted E15 quality testing in the U.S. since 2012, taking few samples in several states, as shown on the map below. Results cannot be considered representative for the E15 market in these states and in the country. Conclusions presented below relate only to samples’ results.

 

Figure 1: E15 sampled in several states and average ethanol content in E15 samples in 2018

 

 

 

In most sampled states average ethanol content exceeds regulated limit of 15 vol.%. Since 2012 the highest average ethanol content has recorded in the season 2017/2018. Usually in summer, ethanol content is higher than in winter - it varied between 16.06 vol. % in summer 2014 and 21.71 vol. % in summer 2018.

 

Figure 2: Average ethanol content in sampled E15 f