North Carolina

POPULATION (2015): 10,042,802

REGISTERED CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS: 7,651,069

ANNUAL GAS CONSUMPTION (2014): 4.3 Billion GPY

TOTAL RETAIL STATIONS: 4,722

Maximum E85 use:609 Million GPY
FFVs in use:646,932
E85 stations:76
Flex Station implied demand:+476
Maximum E15 use:3.5 Billion GPY
EPA approved E15 vehicles:6,120,855
E15 Station implied demand:+3,778

Fuel specifications

Gasoline:

Conventional

Reid Vapor Pressure:

All retailers are required to sell 9.0 psi RVP gasoline from June 1 - September 15.

Contact information for key state regulatory agencies

Department of Weights and Measures, 919-733-3246

State Laws & Incentives

Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption  

The retail sale, use, storage, and consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-164.13)

Ethanol Blend Requirement

Suppliers that import gasoline for sale in North Carolina must offer fuel that is not pre-blended with fuel alcohol but that is suitable for future blending. Future contract provisions that restrict distributors or retailers from blending gasoline with fuel alcohol are void. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 75-90, 105-449.60)

Ethanol Blend Labeling Requirements

Pumps that dispense ethanol-blended gasoline available for purchase must be labeled with the registered brand name and the volume percentage, or blend level, of the ethanol (10% or less, 10-15%, 15-85% or 85%). The labels must be affixed to the front panel of the pump in a position that is clearly visible to the vehicle driver. Graphics requirements apply. (Reference North Carolina Administrative Code Title 2, Chapter 42, Subchapter .0401 and North Carolina General Statutes 119-27.2)

Federal Incentives

Ethanol Infrastructure Grants and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loan guarantees to rural (population less than 50K) small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems include equipment used to distribute flexible fuels. The maximum grant funding is 25% of project costs and the maximum loan guarantee is $25 million. The program is funded through fiscal year 2018 but is subject to congressional appropriations thereafter. For more information, see the REAP website.

Point of Contact
Office of Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Phone: (202) 690-4730
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/

Ethanol plant direct E85/ethanol sales

Click here for a complete list of domestic ethanol producers and sales contacts for E85/direct ethanol sales

E15/Flex Fuel Profit Estimate
line
North Carolina
AVG STATION (76,200 GPM)
Average Retailer:
New gallons/$$/Mo E15 & Flex: 14,100 $2,300
New Customers/Mo:+1,564 
Additional Merch. Margin from above:$4,600
RINs not applied to reduce price:$680
line
TOTAL NEW PROFIT/MO  $7,580
Top Performing Retailer:
New gallons/$$/Mo E15 & Flex:33,400$5,500
New Customers/Mo:+3,709 
Additional Merch. Margin from above:$10,800
RINs not applied to reduce price:$1,900
line
TOTAL NEW PROFIT/MO  $18,200

Want to see what E15/Flex fuels could do for your operation?

Try out the E15/Flex fuel profit Estimator
A Roadmap for Ethanol cover

a roadmap for ethanol

You’re thinking about adding or switching to a new fuel grade on your product slate, and you’ve considered premium and diesel, because those are the fuels all station owners consider. But today, the market is different, and you’re curious about what E15, E85, and other flex fuels could do for your business. Good move.

Download the Full Guide