August 18th, 2026

When a new E85 station opens, drivers see a new fuel option at the pump and a new location on the map. What they don’t see is the work behind the scenes required to keep that station supplied.

Delivering E85 to stations across California involves blending, testing, transportation and coordination throughout the fuel supply chain. 

Blending and Delivery

First, before E85 reaches a gas station, fuel suppliers blend it and test it. E85 must meet national and state quality requirements for ethanol fuel blends used in flex fuel vehicles. These requirements cover ethanol content and other properties that help ensure the fuel is properly blended before it reaches a station. Pearson Fuels always blends its E85 to maximum ethanol content.

Once the blending is complete, providers transport fuel to individual stations. These deliveries depend on station demand. 

Delivery schedules are not the same at every location. For example, a high-volume station may need E85 deliveries more frequently, while a station with lower demand may require fuel less often. Inventory levels, available storage and delivery schedules all factor into the timing.

This coordination helps stations maintain an appropriate fuel supply without exceeding the capacity of their storage tanks.

E85 Requires Compatible Equipment

E85 must be stored and dispensed using equipment designed for higher ethanol blends.

When Pearson Fuels helps a station begin offering E85, the project may include compatible tanks, piping, dispensers and other components needed to store and sell the fuel. The exact work depends on the station and its existing infrastructure.

That equipment continues to play an important role after the station opens. Proper storage, handling and maintenance help protect fuel quality as E85 moves from the delivery truck to a vehicle’s fuel tank.

Keeping E85 Available Is an Ongoing Process

Opening a station is only the beginning. Keeping it supplied requires continued coordination among fuel terminals, transportation providers, distributors and station operators.

The Pearson Fuels App allows drivers to locate nearby E85 stations and view current reported prices across California. Behind every location is a supply chain working to move E85 from the terminal to the pump.