PLATEVILLE, WISCONSIN, U.S. — The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition announced on May 7 the addition of eight pumps offering a 15% blend of ethanol (E15) at the SmartStation in Platteville, Wisconsin, U.S., a wholly owned subsidiary of Badger State Ethanol.

E15 is a new high-octane fuel made up of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. In January 2011, the EPA approved E15 for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and flex-fuel vehicles.

“We congratulate Badger State Ethanol and Wisconsin’s ethanol industry for working together to bring E15 to the Wisconsin market,” said Joshua Morby of the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition.

“We are honored to be Wisconsin’s first retailer to offer E15 to our customers who have been asking for it,” said Erik Hushitt of Badger State Ethanol. “We hope other retailers follow our lead so that consumers around the state have an opportunity to gain access to a cleaner burning fuel that contributes directly to the billion dollar ethanol industry in Wisconsin.”

E15 can be used by more than 75% of light duty vehicles on the road today, representing more than 85% of the unleaded fuel sold.

"E15 offers retailers a chance to set themselves apart by offering a new, exciting fuel to their station that not only confirms their commitment to domestic renewable fuels but also offers them a competitive advantage," Morby said. “We expect retailers around the state to take notice of the demand by consumers for cheaper, cleaner, more homegrown E15.”