California lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at expanding access to cheaper fuel by making it easier for drivers to install conversion kits that allow some gasoline-powered cars to run on E85.
Most gasoline sold in the United States is a blend of 90% gasoline and up to 10% ethanol.
E85, also known as flex fuel, is made from corn and is 51% to 83% ethanol.
E85, also known as flex fuel, is made from corn and is 51% to 83% ethanol.
Supporters say the fuel can offer advantages over regular gasoline.
“It runs a little bit cooler, burns cleaner and it also has many benefits that can actually help the engine longevity,” Tuomo Isokivijärvi, CEO of eFlexFuel Kits, said.
In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy released a report that said E85 fuel cost $1.11 less than regular gas in California.
District 13 Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, who introduced the bill, said the goal is to give drivers more choices at the pump.
“We want to make sure that there are more alternatives out there so that when folks pull up to that gas station, if one is too high, they can get the other,” Ransom said.
Not every vehicle can use E85 without modifications.
Ransom warned that without the kit the fuel would destroy a motor.
California is among the last states to legalize the use of E85 conversion kits, which allow some cars that typically run on gasoline to run on E85 instead.
The bill would change what is currently described as a “long process” to apply for a conversion kit in California.
“That process, we know, takes lots of time,” Ransom said. “(Applicants) may or may not ever receive approval.”
Isokivijärvi said the installation of the kits is straightforward.
“One to two hours,” Isokivijärvi said. “No permanent changes done for the vehicle so it can always be converted back to just straight gasoline.”
Isokivijärvi said the system can run E85, gasoline and any mix of the two.
The kits currently average about $500 to $1,000, but under the new bill they are projected to cost about $400 to $500.
“If you’re saving a dollar or more per gallon each time you go to the tank, that’s a pretty good one time investment is what folks are saying,” Ransom said.
Compatibility remains a key issue.
A check of a 2019 Chevy Malibu on a website used to determine compatibility found that model was not yet compatible for the kit.
To check if your car is compatible, click HERE.
Isokivijärvi said the kits currently work on about 80% to 90% of cars that were not originally built to use flex fuel.
The bill is waiting to be assigned an Assembly date to determine whether it moves forward.