Regan Brown
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline as well as other fuels, such as ethanol and methanol. This means that regular unleaded gasoline can be used in a flex-fuel car, and it is also possible to use E85 gasoline in these vehicles. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, and while it is a green option, it is debated whether it is better for the planet than fossil fuels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 87 be used in a flex fuel car? | Yes, 87 octane can be used in a flex fuel car as it already has up to 10% ethanol mixed in. |
| Is 87 regular gasoline? | Yes, 87 is regular unleaded gasoline. |
| Is E85 regular gasoline? | No, E85 is not regular gasoline and is made from corn. |
| Can E85 be used in a flex fuel car? | Yes, E85 can be used in a flex fuel car. |
| Can E85 be mixed with 87 in a flex fuel car? | Yes, a flex fuel car will run fine on mixes of fuels. |
| Is E85 more expensive than 87? | No, E85 is cheaper than 87. |
| Does E85 give better mileage than 87? | No, E85 gives significantly worse gas mileage than 87. |
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What You'll Learn
Flex-fuel vehicles can use regular gasoline
Flex-fuel vehicles, or FFVs, are designed to run on gasoline as well as other fuels. This means that regular gasoline can be used in a flex-fuel vehicle. The engine inside FFVs is capable of running on gas blended with ethanol and methanol, in addition to other fuel types.
The flexibility of FFVs means that they can utilize various fuels, including E85 gasoline and regular unleaded gas. It is important to note that E85 fuel should not be used in vehicles that are not designed for it, as it may cause harm. Regular unleaded gasoline, on the other hand, can be safely used in a flex-fuel vehicle without any issues.
The versatility of flex-fuel vehicles offers convenience and adaptability to drivers. For instance, if a flex-fuel vehicle typically runs on E85 but encounters a location where only regular unleaded gasoline is available, it can still operate effectively on the latter. This flexibility ensures that drivers of FFVs are not restricted to specific fuel types and can easily adapt to the fuel options available in their area.
While FFVs can accommodate regular gasoline, it is worth noting that the octane rating and composition of the fuel can impact the vehicle's performance. For example, E85 fuel, which has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, may result in slightly lower gas mileage and power. However, blending different fuels can mitigate these effects, depending on the percentage of ethanol or other additives in the mix.
In conclusion, flex-fuel vehicles are engineered with the capability to utilize regular gasoline as one of their fuel options. This feature provides flexibility and convenience for drivers, ensuring that they are not limited to specific fuel types and can easily adapt to the fuel options available in their region. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to refer to the owner's manual for specific recommendations regarding the suitable fuel types for a particular flex-fuel vehicle.
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E85 is a blend of ethanol and unleaded gas
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline as well as other fuels. This includes blends of ethanol and unleaded gasoline, also known as E85. E85 is a high-level combination of ethanol and gasoline, typically consisting of 51% to 83% ethanol, with the remaining percentage made up of gasoline or other hydrocarbons. The exact ratio of ethanol to gasoline in E85 may vary depending on the geographical location and time of the year. For example, producers tend to add more ethanol in the summer than in the winter.
E85 is suitable for use in any vehicle designated as a flex-fuel vehicle by the manufacturer. FFVs are capable of running on both ethanol-gasoline blends and regular unleaded gasoline. This means that, yes, you can put 87 in a flex-fuel car. In fact, regular gasoline sold in the US usually contains up to 10% ethanol. This blend is known as E10.
E85 is widely available in the Midwest region of the United States, where most ethanol production takes place. However, it is less available in other regions, particularly New England and the Pacific Northwest. The use of E85 can lead to a reduction in a vehicle's fuel economy due to ethanol having about one-third less energy than gasoline. Additionally, E85 can cause issues with cold crank start-ups in cold weather. This is because ethanol has a lower heating value than gasoline, making it harder to start an engine in cold climates.
Despite these drawbacks, E85 has several advantages. It can lead to less dependence on oil, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and, according to some sources, an increase in miles per gallon. E85 is also less volatile than gasoline, resulting in fewer evaporative emissions. It also reduces carbon monoxide emissions and emissions of certain harmful toxins, such as benzene.
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E85 is cheaper but provides less mileage
E85 is a special type of fuel that contains between 51% and 85% ethanol, with the rest being gasoline. It is a popular choice for flex-fuel vehicles because it is cheaper than regular gasoline. However, the fact that E85 provides less mileage cannot be ignored.
The lower mileage of E85 is due to the lower energy content of ethanol compared to gasoline. The higher the ethanol content in the fuel, the lower the MPG. This means that E85 will not provide better fuel economy, and you will end up using more fuel to drive the same distance. For example, a Chevrolet Avalanche owner reported getting 18 miles per gallon on gas, but only 12 miles per gallon on E85. Similarly, a Cadillac CTS-V owner reported getting 13 miles per gallon on gas and only around 9-10 miles per gallon on E85.
However, it is important to note that the impact on mileage can vary depending on various factors. For instance, highway mileage is generally better than stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, some flex fuel blends can provide better fuel economy than regular gasoline due to their ability to clean fuel injectors and valves. The right balance of regular gasoline and flex fuel can help maintain similar MPG levels while also reducing deposits in the fuel injectors and valves.
Despite the lower mileage, E85 can still be a cost-effective option. Even with a 25% reduction in fuel economy, the overall savings with E85 can be significant due to its lower price. For example, one driver calculated that their E85 trip was only about $30 more expensive than a regular gasoline trip, despite the lower fuel economy. Additionally, E85 has a higher octane rating, which can provide performance benefits and generate the same power with lower RPMs, resulting in a more efficient driving experience.
In conclusion, while E85 is cheaper, it does provide less mileage. However, with careful consideration of driving patterns, fuel blend choices, and the potential for long-term savings, E85 can still be a viable and environmentally conscious option for flex-fuel vehicle owners.
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E85 is derived from corn
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on regular gasoline as well as other fuels. This generally means gas blended with ethanol and methanol. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is typically derived from corn—the corn is refined into grain alcohol, which is then mixed with gasoline. This mixture gives the fuel a much higher octane rating than gasoline and is cheaper than pump gas, race gas, or methanol.
E85 is mainly used in blends with gasoline to create mixtures such as E10, E15, and E85. E10 and E15 can be used in all engines without modification, but blends like E85, with a much greater ethanol content, require significant modifications to be made before an engine can run on the mixture without damaging the engine. This is because E85 is very dry and craves moisture, pulling water into the fuel system. This can cause premature failure of fuel system components.
The use of corn ethanol as a main gasoline replacement is unknown. Corn ethanol has yet to be proven to be as cost-effective as gasoline due to the extensive milling process it must undergo before it can be used as a fuel source. One major drawback is the energy returned on energy invested (EROI)—corn ethanol has a much lower EROI than oil, which provides less mileage per gallon compared to gasoline.
Another serious problem with corn ethanol as a replacement for gasoline is the engine damage it can cause in standard vehicles. E10 and E15 are acceptable for most vehicles on the road today, but E85 requires engine modification. Most older and modern-day vehicles would become obsolete without proper engine modifications to handle the increase in corrosiveness from the high volume of ethanol. Additionally, most gas stations do not offer refueling of E85 vehicles.
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E85 may cause cold crank start-up issues
E85 gasoline contains a high percentage of ethanol, which can cause issues with cold crank start-ups. This is because ethanol is difficult to ignite in cold weather, and the cold plug does not allow for a hot spark to light the mix. As a result, the cold fuel can extinguish the flame, causing a severe drop in power and possibly even causing popping out of the tailpipes when the mix re-ignites in the exhaust.
This issue is particularly common in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) during the winter or in cold weather. In cold temperatures, the engine can struggle to start, and even if it does start, it may run sluggishly until it warms up. Some FFV manufacturers do not recommend using ethanol in the winter due to this issue.
To mitigate this problem, some drivers increase the cranking fuel lambda by about 20% or add a small amount of gasoline to the mix, which can aid in flame propagation and make it easier for the fuel to ignite. Another solution is to use a block heater, which can help to warm the cooling system and improve cold starts.
It is worth noting that E85 gasoline is not suitable for all vehicles. It should only be used in FFVs designed to run on this type of fuel. Putting E85 in a vehicle not designed for it can be harmful.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put 87-octane gasoline in a flex-fuel car. In fact, you can use any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle.
Flex-fuel vehicles, also known as FFVs, are cars that can run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as E85.
E85 is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with ethanol making up 51% to 85% of the mixture, depending on the season and region.
Proponents of E85 cite lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced reliance on foreign oil due to the use of ethanol, a renewable resource. E85 also typically costs less per gallon than regular gasoline.
Yes, using E85 in a flex-fuel vehicle may result in significantly worse gas mileage (up to 30% less) and reduced engine power. It is also important to note that E85 should not be used in vehicles that are not designed for it, as it can cause harm to the engine.
