Fuel type comparison
E85 vs unleaded
Compare E85 flex fuel and regular unleaded: vehicle compatibility, price per litre, energy content, and when E85 makes financial sense in Victoria.
Reviewed by Petrol Price Near Me Editorial - June 2026
What E85 is
E85 is a high-ethanol blend (roughly 70–85% ethanol) for flex-fuel vehicles. It is not a substitute for regular unleaded in standard petrol engines.
Only use E85 if your vehicle is explicitly flex-fuel compatible — check the fuel flap, manual, or manufacturer guidance.
Price vs economy
E85 is often cheaper per litre than ULP 91, but ethanol blends contain less energy per litre. You may use more fuel per kilometre, so the per-litre discount must be large enough to offset higher consumption.
Compare E85 and unleaded prices at stations that list both, and track your real-world economy if you run flex fuel regularly.
Finding E85 in Melbourne
E85 availability is limited compared with ULP, diesel, and E10. Use fuel-type suburb pages and brand directories to see which stations publish E85 prices near you.
If E85 is not listed locally, E10 or ULP 91 comparisons are more relevant for most drivers.
Quick answers
Can I put E85 in a normal unleaded car?
No. E85 is for flex-fuel vehicles only. Using it in a non-compatible engine can cause damage and may void warranty coverage.
Is E85 cheaper to run than unleaded?
Only if the per-litre saving exceeds any extra fuel you burn. Track litres per 100 km and compare total cost per tank, not bowser price alone.