Katerina Swanson
Flex fuel, also known as E85, is a blend of gasoline and ethanol that can be used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). FFVs are equipped with modified internal combustion engines that can run on traditional gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of both in the same tank. While flex fuel has several advantages, including lower prices and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to determine if your car is compatible with flex fuel before using it.
Can I use flex fuel in any car?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is flex fuel? | A blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as E85. |
| What is E85? | A blend of gasoline and ethanol containing between 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and region. |
| What cars can use flex fuel? | Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) with modified internal combustion engines. |
| How do I know if my car is an FFV? | Check for a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle, a yellow fuel cap, or a decal under the fuel door indicating E85 use. |
| Can I use flex fuel in a non-FFV car? | No, using E85 in a car not designed for flex fuel can be harmful. |
| What are the benefits of flex fuel? | Proponents of higher ethanol-gasoline blends cite lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced reliance on foreign oil, and lower cost per gallon than regular gasoline. |
| What are the drawbacks of flex fuel? | FFVs using the ethanol-gasoline blend have lower fuel economy ratings, and E85 can cause problems if the vehicle is not driven for long periods. |
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What You'll Learn
How to check if your car is a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV)
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) can run on gasoline, ethanol (blends up to E85), or a combination of the fuels. E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. FFVs have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol.
- Check for a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" 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. This is true for 2008 and newer vehicles.
- Check the owner's manual, the fuel door, or the fuel cap to see if your vehicle is E85 compatible.
- For Chrysler vehicles, the last letter of the 12-character Test Group Name posted on the Vehicle Emissions Control Information label (found under the hood) indicates if the vehicle is E85 compatible.
- Check the vehicle identification number. FFV models will have a specific character in this number.
It is important to note that using E85 in a car not designed for flexible fuel can be harmful. Always refer to the owner's manual for specifications on the fuel to use in your vehicle.
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What is E85 gas?
E85 gas, also known as flex fuel, is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. The blend typically consists of 51-85% ethanol, depending on the season and region. The higher the ethanol content, the more attractive the fuel is to performance car enthusiasts, as it can increase torque and horsepower. The percentage of ethanol also depends on the region and time of year, with more ethanol added in summer than in winter.
E85 is a domestically produced renewable fuel, made from plant materials such as corn, sugar cane, and grasses. It is a sustainable alternative to gasoline, with lower greenhouse gas emissions and less reliance on foreign oil. The use of E85 is encouraged by the US government, which has provided subsidies to corn producers and invested in ethanol infrastructure.
E85 is compatible with flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which have modified internal combustion engines that can run on traditional gasoline, ethanol blends, or a combination of the two. FFVs can be identified by a yellow fuel cap, a decal under the fuel door, or a badge on the rear of the vehicle indicating E85 compatibility.
While E85 is a cheaper alternative to gasoline, it has a lower energy content, resulting in decreased miles per gallon. This means that, despite the lower cost per gallon, E85 may be more expensive in the long run. It is important to note that E85 should not be used in cars that are not designed for flex fuel, as it can cause damage to traditional gasoline engines.
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Pros and cons of using flex fuel
Flex fuel is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. It was first developed in the early 1990s and was used in the mass-produced 1994 Ford Taurus. Modern flex-fuel cars can contain 10 to 85 percent ethanol, with the vehicle determining the most efficient proportions.
Pros
- Flex-fuel vehicles release fewer emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.
- Ethanol is a renewable resource, making flex fuel more sustainable than traditional gasoline.
- Flex-fuel vehicles are eligible for tax credits.
- Flex fuel is cheaper than traditional gasoline.
- Flex-fuel vehicles do not experience a loss in performance when using E85 fuel. In fact, some even generate increased torque and horsepower.
- Flex-fuel vehicles can run on standard gas in an emergency.
Cons
- Flex fuel is not as economical as gasoline, and it is only available at a small percentage of gas stations.
- Flex-fuel vehicles have lower mileage than traditional gasoline vehicles.
- Flex fuel can damage cars that are not designed for it.
- Flex fuel can negatively impact the crop economy.
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Flex-fuel vehicle maintenance
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are those that can run on more than one type of fuel, usually gasoline and ethanol or methanol. FFVs have modified internal combustion engines that can handle blends of up to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and region.
While flex-fuel vehicles offer certain benefits, such as reduced emissions and the ability to use renewable, domestically-produced fuels, they do have some unique maintenance requirements. FFVs have more complex fuel systems than traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles, and their engines are subject to more wear and tear due to the corrosive nature of ethanol.
Basic maintenance for an FFV includes regularly checking oil and fluid levels, inspecting tires, and changing air and fuel filters. Advanced maintenance may involve replacing engine parts, checking the fuel injection system, and servicing the exhaust system. These more complex tasks often require the assistance of a professional.
It is essential to perform regular engine maintenance on an FFV to ensure its longevity and efficient, safe performance. Preventative maintenance can help avoid costly and dangerous issues, and a well-maintained vehicle will be more fuel-efficient over time.
To determine if your vehicle is an FFV, look for a yellow fuel cap and a badge indicating "Flex-Fuel," "FFV," or "E85" compatibility. You can also refer to your owner's manual or check the vehicle's identification number and emissions control information label.
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Flex-fuel vehicle models
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). They have been produced since the 1990s, and more than 100 models are currently available. In the United States, flex-fuel vehicles are also known as "E85 vehicles", while in Brazil, they are known as "total flex" or simply "flex" cars, and in Europe, they are called "flexifuel" vehicles.
Some of the earliest FFVs were developed by Ford between 1985 and 1992, and included 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 a single fuel system. In 1996, Ford developed an FFV Taurus model capable of running on methanol or ethanol blended with gasoline, which became the first commercial production of an E85 FFV.
In Brazil, Volkswagen launched the first full flexible-fuel car, the Gol 1.6 Total Flex, in March 2003. This was followed by other automakers, and by 2010, several popular models of flex cars and light trucks were being produced by General Motors, Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Renault, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Citroën, Nissan, and Kia Motors.
In the US, FFV models from 2008 onwards feature a yellow gas cap with the label "E85/Gasoline" to differentiate them from gasoline-only models. Other ways to identify an FFV include a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle, or a decal under the fuel door indicating E85 use. The FFV system is available in models from various manufacturers, including Chrysler, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Mazda.
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Frequently asked questions
Flex fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as E85. It is a renewable and domestically produced alternative fuel that started becoming popular in the 1990s.
No, flex fuel can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). Using flex fuel in a car that is not designed for it can cause damage.
Look for a "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" badge on the rear of your vehicle, or a yellow fuel cap/ring. You can also refer to your owner's manual to confirm if your vehicle can use flex fuel.
Flex fuel burns cleaner than pure gasoline, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is also typically cheaper per gallon and is made from sustainable crops grown in the United States, reducing reliance on foreign oil.
While flex fuel is better for the environment, it has lower fuel economy ratings. This means that you may get fewer miles per gallon compared to using regular gasoline. Additionally, if you go long periods without driving, the higher ethanol content in flex fuel can cause issues with your injectors.
