Rajan Wilcox
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol, otherwise known as E85. FFVs have been around since the 1990s, and there are now over 20 million on the road in the US. You can check if your car is an FFV by consulting your owner's manual, or by looking for a yellow fuel cap or a badge with Flex-Fuel, FFV, or E85 on the rear of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is flex fuel? | A blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as E85 |
| How much ethanol is in flex fuel? | 51-85% ethanol |
| What is E85? | The most common form of flex fuel available on the market |
| What are flex-fuel vehicles? | Vehicles that can run on flex fuel, also known as FFVs |
| How to identify an FFV | Yellow fuel cap, badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85", VIN lookup, owner's manual |
| FFV models | Chrysler, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC |
| Benefits of flex fuel | Lower cost, lower greenhouse gas emissions, domestically produced |
| Drawbacks of flex fuel | Lower fuel economy ratings, not widely available |
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What You'll Learn
How to check if your car is a flex-fuel vehicle
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) can run on gasoline, ethanol (blends up to E85), or a combination of the fuels in the same tank. There are several ways to check if your car is an FFV:
Check the Fuel Cap
One of the most common ways to identify an FFV is by looking at the fuel cap. FFVs typically have a yellow fuel cap, which can be a dead giveaway. However, it's important to note that this feature was introduced for model-year 2008 vehicles (2006 for General Motors), so older FFVs may not have this indicator.
Check the Owner's Manual
Another reliable method is to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. Buried deep inside the manual, you should find information about which types of fuel are approved for your vehicle. This will indicate whether your car is an FFV or not.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
For some vehicles, the FFV system is identified by a specific character in the VIN. You can locate your vehicle's VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver's side door jamb. Then, refer to the manufacturer's documentation or resources to determine if your VIN indicates an FFV.
Check the Emissions Decal
Look under the hood for an emissions decal or label. This is usually located on the right side, just below the engine size. For Chrysler vehicles, for example, the last letter of the 12-character Test Group Name indicates whether the vehicle is E85 compatible.
Use an Online Tool
The Fuel Freedom Foundation has developed an online tool called "Check Your Car" that can help you determine if your vehicle is an FFV. Simply enter your vehicle's make, model, year, and engine size, and the tool will tell you if it's an FFV.
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What is E85?
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. The blend consists of 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and geographical location. In the United States, the blend typically contains 51% to 83% ethanol, while in other parts of the world, E85 always contains 85% ethanol. The percentage of ethanol is higher in summer than in winter.
E85 is a type of flex fuel, which is the general term for a blend of gasoline with ethanol, a renewable resource made from plant materials, including corn. Most of the gas sold in the United States contains some ethanol, but E85 for flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) uses a higher percentage of ethanol. FFVs are designed to run on gasoline or blends of gasoline and ethanol of up to 85% ethanol (E85). These vehicles have modified internal combustion engines and can use traditional gasoline or ethanol blends.
E85 is suitable for use in any vehicle designated as an FFV by the manufacturer. A badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle may indicate that it is compatible with E85 fuel. FFV models may also have a yellow fuel cap or a yellow ring around the hole where the fuel nozzle is inserted. The owner's manual will also specify which fuels can be used.
E85 has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, allowing it to be used in higher-compression engines, which produce more power. It also has higher thermal efficiency and can increase torque. However, E85 has a lower heating value than gasoline, which can make it harder to start engines in cold climates. FFVs that use E85 tend to have lower fuel economy ratings, with some models experiencing up to a 25% decrease in miles per gallon.
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Benefits of using flex fuel
Using flex fuel in your car has several benefits. Firstly, flex-fuel vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, including electronic sensors that can detect the blend of fuel and make the necessary adjustments to the fuel injection and timing. This means that you have the flexibility to use any combination of gasoline and ethanol, from 100% unleaded gas to 85% ethanol.
Another advantage of flex fuel is its environmental impact. Ethanol, which is a significant component of flex fuel, burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This makes flex-fuel vehicles a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, ethanol is often produced domestically from renewable sources such as corn, sugarcane, and other plant materials, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
Flex fuel also offers economic benefits. While flex-fuel vehicles may have lower mileage, ethanol is generally less expensive than regular gasoline, which can help offset the higher fuel consumption. In times of high oil prices, flex fuel can be a more affordable option. Furthermore, driving a flex-fuel vehicle may also make you eligible for tax credits or benefits.
Finally, flex fuel provides performance benefits. Some flex-fuel engines can produce more horsepower and torque when using high-octane flex fuel blends. This can result in improved engine performance and a smoother driving experience.
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Flex-fuel vehicle maintenance
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on more than one type of fuel. This includes gasoline, ethanol, or a mixture of both. FFVs have been around since the 1990s, and their popularity has been growing due to their environmental benefits and flexibility in fuel choice.
Basic Maintenance
Basic maintenance for a flex-fuel vehicle includes regular checks of oil and fluid levels, tyre inspections, and changing air and fuel filters. These tasks are simple but important for keeping your vehicle in good condition.
Advanced Maintenance
Advanced maintenance for a flex-fuel vehicle may include more complex tasks that require professional help. This could involve replacing engine parts, checking the fuel injection system, and servicing the exhaust system.
Engine Maintenance
Flex-fuel vehicles have more complex fuel systems than gasoline or diesel vehicles due to their ability to handle different types of fuel. Therefore, regular engine maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your flex-fuel vehicle. The engine of a flex-fuel vehicle may experience more wear and tear due to the corrosive nature of ethanol.
Fuel System Maintenance
Fuel system maintenance is an important aspect of flex-fuel vehicle care. The vehicle's sensors and microprocessors adjust the fuel injection and timing based on the fuel blend, so it is important to ensure the system is functioning optimally.
Other Considerations
It is important to refer to the owner's manual for specific information on fuel types and maintenance procedures for your flex-fuel vehicle. Badges or labels with terms like "E85," "Flex-Fuel," or "FFV" may indicate compatibility with flex fuel. Additionally, a yellow fuel cap or a yellow ring around the fuel filler hole are good indications that the vehicle can use flex fuel.
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Flex-fuel vehicle history
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol (up to 85% ethanol, also known as E85). They can also run on 100% ethanol. FFVs have been produced since the 1990s, and their popularity began to increase during this decade. In the United States, FFVs are also known as "E85 vehicles". In Brazil, they are known as "total flex" or simply "flex" cars, and in Europe, they are called "flexifuel" vehicles.
The common use of the term "flexible-fuel vehicle" became synonymous with ethanol FFVs during the late 1990s. Before 2008, it was difficult to distinguish FFVs from gasoline-only models as they looked identical. The only way to know for certain was to check the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). Some FFV models, such as the 1996 and 1997 Ford Taurus E85 FFVs, had a unique identifier: a "PUSH FOR % ALCOHOL" button. Today, FFVs are identified by yellow fuel caps, fender badges, and window decals.
By 2015, more than 80 different models from eight manufacturers were available to consumers. As of 2017, there were an estimated 21 million FFVs in the US, with more recent estimates putting that number at over 27 million. By the end of 2021, there were 27 million FFVs in the US, 30.5 million light-duty vehicles and over 6 million motorcycles in Brazil, 1.6 million in Canada by 2014, and 243,100 in Sweden.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check if your car is a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) by looking for a "Flex Fuel" badge or emblem on the rear of the car, or by checking if you have a yellow fuel cap. You can also check your owner's manual or use a tool like Fuel Freedom's "Check Your Car".
Flex fuel is a blend of ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is made from plant materials, such as corn, and is a renewable and domestically produced alternative fuel. The most common form of flex fuel is E85, which contains between 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and region.
Flex fuel burns cleaner than pure gasoline, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. It also has a higher octane rating, which can lead to better engine performance. Additionally, flex fuel is often more affordable than regular gasoline.
Yes, companies like eFlexFuel offer retrofit flex-fuel conversion kits that can convert a gasoline-only engine to run on flex fuel. However, it is important to consult a professional to ensure your vehicle is compatible with the conversion.
