Superethanol-E85 even cheaper than gasoline… for now

The debate surrounding Superethanol-E85 has taken a new turn following the Senate vote on Article 5 of the 2026 Finance Bill.

By confirming the cancellation of the planned tax increase on Superethanol-E85, the Upper House aligned itself with the position widely expressed in the National Assembly a few weeks earlier. For motorists, the message is clear: the favorable taxation of E85 is maintained, and the fuel remains, for now, the most economical option at the pump.

On the side of the bioethanol sector, the relief is palpable. Professionals had been denouncing for several weeks an attempt to raise taxes conducted without real consultation. They highlighted biased analyses and a lack of solid evaluation regarding the issues of energy, food, and industrial sovereignty. By rejecting this increase, Parliament has chosen to preserve a fuel that has become one of the symbols of automotive purchasing power.

Stability does not mean guaranteed

This fiscal stability remains, according to industry stakeholders, essential for continuing to decarbonize mobility, support farmers, and strengthen the bioethanol industry. For motorists, nothing changes in the short term: flex-E85 vehicles remain accessible, whether they are new models like the Ford Kuga Full Hybrid Flex-E85, used, or gasoline vehicles converted via an approved box. With a litre significantly cheaper than unleaded, E85 still allows for a reduction in fuel costs of about 40%, while halving CO₂ emissions at the exhaust. The distribution network continues to expand with nearly 4,000 stations, representing 42% of sales points in France.

You might be interestedin this article:

Hydrogen

• 04/12/2025 14:51

Hydrogen: the Hyundai-Air Liquide duo in action

However, one question remains: can this price gap last? The sector enjoys a small budget victory, but the lack of enthusiasm from manufacturers to offer compatible models raises questions. Their caution suggests they are only half convinced about the future of this fuel, despite its current attractiveness. A situation that indicates the economic advantage of E85 may not be eternal.

ALSO READ: We crossed France in a Dacia Duster GPL