What is Octane and Why is Octane Important for Increased Efficiency and Lower Emissions

July 18, 2023
The next generation fuels act improves engine performance and fuel efficiency

What is Octane?

A gasoline octane rating measures the fuel’s ability to resist auto-ignition (combustion of the air: fuel mixture before desired). Auto ignition can cause noise in the engine and, in some cases, harm the engine. These issues are what makes octane rating among the most important properties of gasoline. A higher octane-rating resists auto-ignition and permits engine designers to make more efficient and more powerful engines.

 

Importance for increased efficiency and lower emissions

Increasing the octane rating of gasoline allows for improved engine efficiency, fuel consumption, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by allowing higher compression ratios and other efficient power plant designs, such as downsizing, down speeding, cylinder deactivation and hybridization. Octane rating has become the most limiting factor in achieving new efficiency and environmental objectives for gasoline powered vehicles. When America designs a fleet around a higher-octane standard, it will result in fleet-wide energy efficiency improvements, lower harmful emissions, lower greenhouse gas emissions and better performance.

Legislation that supports Octane

 

Next Generation Fuels Act – In the 117th Congress, the legislation was introduced in both House and Senate, gaining more than 30 bi-partisan co-sponsors. In the 118th Congress, the legislation was reintroduced in both House and Senate. The legislation establishes a new minimum research octane rating (RON) standard of 95 beginning in 2028 for automakers to design around. While the certification fuel has increased ethanol level, the Act doesn’t dictate how regulated parties must achieve higher octane and lower carbon requirements, but simply sets the standard for higher octane and low carbon. The reintroduction of this legislation in both the House and Senate gives liquid fuels the opportunity to increase fuel efficiency while reducing tailpipe emissions.

 

Learn More about Ethanol

Justin Moore headshot
By Tara Desmond July 23, 2025
Meet Justin Moore a staff member at IL Corn.
washington dc photo
By Lindsay Croke July 17, 2025
“If such language is included in the policy recommendations, it could significantly hamper the work of America’s farmers and raise prices on consumers without providing any additional layer of safety for the American public,” the letter said. “If the pesticides in the original report were to disappear completely, crop
FFA students at USDA
By Lyndi Allen July 17, 2025
IL Corn leaders met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to discuss key ag priorities like trade, conservation, ethanol, and lock and dam infrastructure, while mentoring the next generation of advocates from Illinois FFA.
corn
By Lydia Rogers July 14, 2025
Debunking Myths
headshot of Shelby Watson
By Tara Desmond July 14, 2025
We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USAPEEC. In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Crops destroyed by storm
By Lyndi Allen July 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, providing assistance to farmers with crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Show More