Mercedes Mullins
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of running on ethanol-gasoline blends and regular gasoline. The most common form of flex fuel available on the market is E85, which contains between 51% and 85% ethanol, depending on the season and region. FFVs have modified internal combustion engines that can use traditional gasoline and ethanol blends, and they have sensors that detect the gasoline-ethanol ratio in the fuel and make adjustments for optimal performance. While fuel economy is generally lower with increased levels of ethanol, FFVs have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flex-fuel vehicle types | FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle), E85 vehicle, M85 FFV, bi-fuel vehicle, tri-fuel vehicle, multi-fuel vehicle |
| Flex-fuel vehicle models | Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan |
| Flex-fuel vehicle capabilities | Can run on ethanol-gasoline blends and regular gasoline |
| Flex-fuel blends | E85, E10, E15, E20, E25, E70, E75, E100, M85 |
| Flex-fuel vehicle compatibility | Check owner's manual, fuel door, fuel cap, vehicle identification number, decal under the fuel door, Vehicle Emissions Control Information label |
| Flex-fuel vehicle performance | Improved acceleration performance with higher ethanol blends, lower fuel economy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, lower gas price per gallon |
| Flex-fuel availability | 3300 E85 gas stations in 42 US states, more availability in the Midwest, less in New England and the Pacific Northwest |
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What You'll Learn
What is E85 gas?
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, consisting of 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on the geographical location and time of the year. In the summer, producers add more ethanol than in the winter. E85 is the most common form of flex fuel available on the market and is used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have modified internal combustion engines that can run on traditional gasoline, ethanol, or a blend of the two. FFVs have sensors that detect the ratio of gasoline to ethanol in the fuel and adjust for optimal performance.
E85 is generally cheaper than regular gasoline, but it also has fewer miles per gallon, so it can be more expensive in the long run. It is made from plant materials like corn, sugarcane, or various grasses, making it a renewable resource that is domestically produced in the United States. The use of E85 leads to less dependence on oil and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
E85 is suitable for use in any vehicle designated as an FFV by the manufacturer. Some signs that a vehicle is compatible with E85 include a yellow fuel cap, a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85", or a decal under the fuel door. It is important to note that E85 should not be used in a car that is not designed for flex fuel, as it can cause damage.
In Australia, E85 is the preferred fuel among motor racing clubs and sports car enthusiasts as it gives performance vehicles more thermal efficiency and increased torque.
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How to identify a flex-fuel vehicle
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol (E85). FFVs have been around since the 1990s, and there are currently over a hundred models available. FFVs are factory-made, and many vehicle owners are unaware that their car is an FFV or that they can use a choice of fuels.
- Check for a badge with the terms "E85", "Flex-Fuel", or "FFV" on the rear of the vehicle.
- Look for a yellow fuel cap or a yellow ring around the hole where the nozzle is inserted (for capless fuel fillers).
- Check the owner's manual, the fuel door, or the fuel cap to see if your vehicle is E85 compatible.
- Check the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label, found under the hood. For Chrysler models, the last letter of the 12-character Test Group Name will indicate if the vehicle is E85 compatible.
- Check the vehicle identification number and look for a decal under the fuel door indicating E85 use is allowed.
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Pros and cons of flex-fuel vehicles
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating with gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of the two. They have been around since the 1990s, and as of 2022, there were more than 20.9 million FFVs in the United States.
Pros of Flex-Fuel Vehicles
Flex-fuel vehicles have several advantages, including:
- Reduced emissions: Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in fewer toxic fumes and up to 30% less carbon monoxide emitted from flex-fuel vehicles.
- Environmental benefits: Flex-fuel vehicles contribute fewer greenhouse gases, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
- Alternative fuel source: Ethanol is produced from crops such as corn and sugarcane, providing a sustainable and domestically produced alternative to foreign oil.
- Tax credits: Consumers who drive flex-fuel vehicles may be eligible for tax credits that can significantly reduce or even eliminate their tax obligations.
- Performance: Flex-fuel vehicles do not experience a loss in performance when using E85 fuel and may even have improved acceleration.
- Fuel flexibility: Flex-fuel vehicles can burn different proportions of ethanol and gasoline, allowing drivers to use any combination of fuels available to them.
Cons of Flex-Fuel Vehicles
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Fuel economy: Flex-fuel vehicles tend to have lower fuel economy than gasoline-powered cars, resulting in decreased miles per gallon (MPG) and higher fuel consumption.
- Engine concerns: Ethanol absorbs dirt easily and can potentially corrode and damage engines.
- Limited availability: Flex-fuel vehicles may have limited availability, and only a small percentage of gas stations supply ethanol.
- Crop economy impact: The use of crops like corn for flex-fuel production can drive up the price of animal feed and impact crop prices.
- Storage: Ethanol is more susceptible to absorbing moisture, which can be an issue for vehicles that are not driven frequently.
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Flex-fuel vehicles in the US
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating with internal combustion engines that use gasoline, ethanol, or a blend of the two. The blend is known as E85, or flex fuel, and typically contains between 51% and 83% ethanol, depending on the season and region. FFVs are factory-made, and many vehicle owners are unaware their car is an FFV, and that they can choose which fuel to use.
The first commercial flexible fuel vehicle was the Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927. It could use gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of both. However, the 1973 oil crisis and resulting gasoline shortages brought the dangers of oil dependence into sharp focus, and alternative fuels like ethanol became more attractive. The US government provided support to develop these alternative fuels, and to improve air quality.
In 1982, Ford began developing a flexible-fuel vehicle to address the lack of refueling infrastructure. Between 1985 and 1992, 705 experimental FFVs were delivered to California and Canada. In 1993, Ford started production of M85 FFVs, and in 1996, they developed a new FFV Ford Taurus, capable of running on methanol or ethanol blended with gasoline. This was the first commercial production of an E85 FFV.
By the end of 2017, there were over 21 million E85 flex-fuel vehicles registered in the US, the second-largest fleet in the world after Brazil. Despite this, the actual use of ethanol fuel is limited due to the lack of E85 refueling infrastructure, and because many North American flex-fuel car owners are unaware they own an E85 vehicle. Flex-fuel vehicles are most common in the Midwest, where corn is a major crop, and the primary feedstock for ethanol fuel production.
In 2020, there were 16 FFVs made by US manufacturers, but this number fell to just three in 2021. This decline is due to lower gas prices from their peak around 2010, and a shift in focus towards electric vehicles.
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Flex-fuel vehicles outside the US
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on pure gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as "flex fuel". FFVs have been produced since the 1990s, and more than a hundred models are currently available. The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, was the first commercial flexible-fuel vehicle, capable of running on gasoline or ethanol, or a combination of both.
In 1982, Ford began developing a flexible-fuel vehicle to address the lack of refueling infrastructure. Between 1985 and 1992, 705 experimental FFVs were built and delivered to California and Canada, including the 1.6L Ford Escort, the 3.0L Taurus, and the 5.0L LTD Crown Victoria. These vehicles could operate on either gasoline or methanol with only one fuel system. In 1993, Ford began production of M85 FFVs, and in 1996, they developed a new FFV Ford Taurus capable of running on either methanol or ethanol blended with gasoline.
FFVs have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% or 85% ethanol, labelled as E85. E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% or 85% ethanol, depending on the season, geographic region, and vehicle. The higher ethanol content in E85 can accelerate engine wear, so it is important to refer to the owner's manual for specifications on the fuel to use in your vehicle. A badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle, or a yellow fuel cap, may indicate that it is compatible with E85.
While the United States has the second-largest fleet of flexible-fuel vehicles in the world, FFVs are also available in other countries. For example, between 1985 and 1992, Ford delivered experimental FFVs to Canada, and in 2025, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC offered FFVs in their model year lineup.
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Frequently asked questions
Flex fuel is a blend of ethanol and gasoline that contains more than 15% and less than 85% ethanol. The percentage of ethanol depends on the geographical location and time of the year.
FFV stands for Flexible Fuel Vehicle. These vehicles have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 85%.
No, flex fuel can only be used in FFVs. Using flex fuel in a car that is not designed for it can be harmful.
You can check your owner's manual, the fuel door, or fuel cap to see if your vehicle is E85 compatible. A yellow fuel cap or a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle may also indicate that it is an FFV.
Flex fuel burns cleaner than pure gasoline, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign oil. It is also less expensive and can improve acceleration performance.
