California drivers have long dealt with some of the highest fuel prices in the nation. As a result, many vehicle owners are looking for practical ways to reduce fuel costs without replacing their current vehicle.
One proposal that has gained attention is California AB 2046, legislation that could make EPA approved E85 retrofit kits and conversion systems available to eligible drivers throughout the state. If passed, the bill would remove a longstanding barrier that has limited access to this technology in California while continuing to recognize federal emissions standards.
Rather than changing how Californians fuel their vehicles, AB 2046 is about giving drivers more choice. Eligible vehicles could operate on gasoline, E85 fuel, or any blend of the two, allowing drivers to choose the fuel that best fits their needs.
What Is California AB 2046?
California Assembly Bill 2046 (AB 2046) proposes allowing EPA approved E85 conversion systems that meet federal requirements to be used in California without requiring a separate state approval process for eligible applications.
Today, California has its own approval requirements for aftermarket emissions related products. While EPA approved E85 conversion kits are available in many other states, they have remained unavailable in California because of the state's separate certification process.
If enacted, California AB 2046 would give eligible drivers access to E85 conversion kits that have already met federal EPA standards, providing another option for those interested in fuel flexibility.
Why California AB 2046 Matters
More Fuel Choices
One of the biggest advantages of AB 2046 is flexibility.
Drivers with a compatible E85 conversion kit could fill up with:
- Regular gasoline
- E85 fuel
- Any blend of E85 and gas
Instead of being limited to a single fuel, drivers could choose whichever option offers the best value based on current fuel prices and availability.
Save More at the Pump
Fuel prices change throughout the year, and E85 fuel has often been available at a lower price than regular gasoline.
Although E85 contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, many drivers find that the lower cost per gallon can help offset the difference in fuel economy. Because fuel prices vary by region and over time, having the flexibility to choose between gasoline and E85 allows drivers to decide which fuel offers the greatest value each time they fill up.
American Made Fuel
Unlike conventional gasoline, which often relies on imported crude oil, E85 is produced primarily from American grown corn and other renewable agricultural feedstocks. Choosing E85 helps support American farmers, domestic agriculture, and U.S. fuel production while keeping more energy dollars here at home.
For many drivers, fuel choice is about more than price. It is also about supporting American made energy and reducing dependence on imported petroleum whenever possible.
Helping Drivers Get More From Their Current Vehicle
Many Californians are not looking to purchase a new vehicle. They simply want more options for reducing their fuel costs.
An E85 conversion kit offers an alternative for eligible gasoline powered vehicles by allowing owners to continue driving the vehicle they already own while gaining the flexibility to use gasoline, E85, or any blend between the two.
How an E85 Conversion Kit Works
An E85 retrofit kit is designed to allow compatible gasoline powered vehicles to operate on higher ethanol blends while still running on regular gasoline whenever needed.
Modern conversion systems continuously monitor the ethanol content in the fuel and automatically adjust fuel delivery to match the ethanol percentage. This allows the vehicle to transition seamlessly between gasoline, E85 fuel, or any mixture of the two without any action from the driver.
When designed specifically for a vehicle application, these systems provide a smooth driving experience while expanding fueling options.
Why Drivers Choose eFlexFuel
As interest in California E85 conversion continues to grow, choosing the right conversion system becomes just as important as understanding the legislation itself.
eFlexFuel has become one of the most recognized names in flex fuel conversion, with more than 65,000 vehicle conversions completed worldwide.
The system is engineered to provide fuel flexibility while preserving the vehicle's factory engine management system.
Key features include:
- Operates on gasoline, E85, or any mix of the two
- Automatic ethanol content detection
- Installation completed entirely under the hood
- No factory ECU programming required
- IP68 rated electronics designed for harsh engine bay environments
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- EPA compliant
For drivers who are considering an E85 conversion kit in California, choosing a proven and vehicle specific system helps ensure dependable performance and reliability.
Is Your Vehicle Compatible?
Not every vehicle is compatible with an E85 conversion kit. Compatibility depends on factors including:
- Vehicle year
- Engine type
- Vehicle application
If California AB 2046 becomes law, drivers should always verify compatibility before purchasing an E85 conversion system.
Looking Ahead
If enacted, California AB 2046 could give California drivers access to EPA approved E85 conversion systems that are already available throughout much of the United States.
For consumers, the bill is ultimately about providing more fuel choices.
Rather than being limited to one fuel, eligible drivers could choose gasoline, E85, or any blend between the two based on availability, fuel prices, and personal preference.
As more Californians explore the benefits of E85 conversion, companies like eFlexFuel are helping educate drivers about how the technology works, which vehicles are compatible, and what to expect from a professionally engineered conversion system.
Whether your goal is greater fuel flexibility, potential savings at the pump, or taking advantage of E85's 100 plus octane, understanding California AB 2046 is an important first step.
Find Out if Your Vehicle Is Compatible
If California AB 2046 becomes law, a vehicle specific eFlexFuel E85 conversion kit could provide an easy way to enjoy the flexibility of running gasoline, E85 fuel, or any blend between the two.
Our conversion systems are designed for simple installation, everyday reliability, and seamless operation, giving drivers the freedom to choose the fuel that best fits their needs.
Use our Compatibility Checker to see if your vehicle is compatible and learn more about how eFlexFuel can help you get more out of every tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California AB 2046?
California AB 2046 is proposed legislation that would allow eligible EPA approved E85 conversion systems to be installed in California without requiring a separate state approval process for qualifying applications.
What is an E85 conversion kit?
An E85 conversion kit allows compatible gasoline powered vehicles to operate on gasoline, E85 fuel, or any blend of the two by automatically adjusting fuel delivery based on the ethanol content.
Find out how our kit works: eflexfuel.com/us/how-it-works
Can I still use regular gasoline?
Yes. An eFlexFuel kit allows your vehicle to run on gasoline, E85, or any blend between the two, giving you complete flexibility every time you fill up.
Does eFlexFuel modify the ECU?
No. eFlexFuel does not reprogram or flash your vehicle's factory ECU. Installation is completed under the hood and works alongside your vehicle's existing engine management system.
Is E85 made in America?
Yes. Most E85 sold in the United States is produced using ethanol made from American grown corn and other renewable agricultural feedstocks. Using E85 helps support domestic agriculture, American fuel production, and provides drivers with an alternative to relying solely on petroleum based gasoline.
Does E85 damage engines or corrode fuel lines?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about ethanol fuel.
Modern gasoline vehicles already contain fuel system components that are designed to be compatible with ethanol blends. In fact, nearly all gasoline sold in the United States today already contains up to 10 percent ethanol (E10), and many manufacturers have been using ethanol compatible materials for decades.
A properly engineered, vehicle specific E85 conversion system is designed to work with your vehicle's existing fuel system while automatically adjusting fuel delivery based on the ethanol content. When installed on a compatible vehicle, E85 does not "eat" fuel lines or damage the engine simply because it contains ethanol.
As with any fuel system modification, it is important to use a quality conversion system that has been designed for your specific vehicle application.
