Rajan Wilcox
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. E85, or flex fuel, is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing between 51% and 85% ethanol, depending on geography and season. While flex fuel offers several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles, such as fewer toxic fumes, greater torque, and horsepower, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For instance, ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can potentially damage the engine, and the production of flex fuel can drive up the price of animal feed. In addition, flex fuel vehicles are not as economical as gasoline vehicles, which has impacted their availability at gas stations.
Is Diesel a Flex Fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. |
| Flex Fuel Cars | Cars are available that run on flex fuel gas, and they offer several advantages over automobiles that use traditional gasoline or diesel. |
| Flex Fuel vs Regular Fuel | A flex fuel car can use regular gasoline but is smart enough to detect and adjust to E85. |
| Flex Fuel Availability | E85 fuel is set at a significantly lower price than diesel or gasoline. However, only a small percentage of gas stations supply ethanol. |
| Flex Fuel Engines | Modern flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically. |
| Flex Fuel Benefits | Ethanol produces fewer toxic fumes than gasoline. It is also sustainably produced from ingredients such as cane sugar and corn. |
| Flex Fuel Concerns | Ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can potentially corrode and damage the engine. Ethanol also has lower energy content, which may result in lower gas mileage. |
| Flex Fuel Markets | The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle, with about 60 million automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks manufactured and sold worldwide by March 2018. |
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What You'll Learn
Flex-fuel vehicles are available in 18 European countries
Flex-fuel vehicles, also known as flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), are available in 18 European countries. These include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
FFVs are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles, where two fuels are stored in separate tanks and the engine uses one fuel at a time. FFVs, on the other hand, have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel, usually gasoline blended with ethanol or methanol, stored in the same tank. Modern FFVs can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, as the vehicle's sensors gauge the blend and make the necessary adjustments.
The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle, with about 60 million automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks manufactured and sold worldwide by March 2018. Europe, led by Sweden, had approximately 243,100 such vehicles. In Europe, FFVs are also known as "flexifuel" vehicles, and automakers often use badging in their FFV models with some variant of the word "flex". For example, Volvo Flexifuel, Volkswagen Total Flex, or Renault Hi-Flex.
Various countries in Europe have established incentives to promote the use of flex-fuel vehicles. In France, biofuel cars benefit from tax incentives, including a 0% or 50% reduction on the tax for new vehicles and a 40% reduction on CO2 tax for new cars. Company cars are exempt from corporate car tax for two years, and 80% of the value-added tax (VAT) on E85 vehicles can be recovered. Ireland, the third-best European market for E85 flex-fuel vehicles, offers a 50% discount on vehicle registration taxes (VRT), which can account for a significant portion of the retail price of a new car. The UK government previously offered incentives such as a fuel duty rebate on E85 fuel and a reduction in vehicle excise duty (VED).
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E85 fuel is significantly cheaper than diesel
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on more than one fuel type, usually a combination of gasoline and ethanol or methanol fuel. The most common commercially available FFV in the world is the ethanol flex-fuel vehicle, with about 60 million automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks manufactured and sold worldwide by March 2018.
E85 is an example of an ethanol flex-fuel. It is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 fuel is significantly cheaper than diesel. In France, as of April 2007, E85 fuel was priced at €0.80 per liter, compared to €1.15 for diesel.
While E85 may be cheaper, it is also less efficient in terms of fuel economy. A 2009 test drive of a flex-fuel vehicle using E85 fuel from San Diego to Las Vegas found that the fuel economy was 26.5% worse than gasoline. The vehicle owner noted that "the mileage sucks. On gas I can get 18 (miles per gallon). On E85 I get like 12." However, the test also found that the difference in performance was small enough to go unnoticed by most drivers.
The higher ethanol content in E85 also has potential downsides for the engine. Ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can corrode and damage the engine over time. Additionally, ethanol contains less energy, which can lead to lower gas mileage. Despite these considerations, E85 remains a popular choice for flex-fuel vehicle owners due to its cost advantage, environmental benefits, and the convenience of being able to use a combination of gasoline and ethanol blends.
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Flex-fuel vehicles can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture
A flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank. Modern flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the resulting blend in the combustion chamber. This is because fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by a fuel composition sensor.
Flex-fuel vehicles are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles, where two fuels are stored in separate tanks and the engine runs on one fuel at a time, for example, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or hydrogen. The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle, with about 60 million automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks manufactured and sold worldwide by March 2018. The four largest markets for these vehicles are Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Europe, led by Sweden.
Modern flex-fuel vehicles are built using advanced technology such as electronic sensors. These technological advances allow the car to adjust its operation, including detecting the fuel blend and making any necessary adjustments. For example, a flex-fuel car can use regular gasoline but is smart enough to detect if it has E85 and adjust its tuning for it. These vehicles can contain 10 to 85 percent ethanol.
Flex fuel has some disadvantages that should be considered before purchasing a flex-fuel vehicle. For example, ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can potentially corrode and damage the engine. Ethanol also contains less energy, resulting in lower gas mileage. Additionally, crops designed for flex-fuel production cannot be allocated to other sources, which could potentially drive up the price of animal feed.
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Ethanol absorbs dirt easily, potentially damaging the engine
Ethanol is a solvent and a drying agent, which means it can absorb dirt and water vapour from the atmosphere. This is due to its hygroscopic nature. This can lead to several issues with the engine. Firstly, the presence of water can cause phase separation, where the water and ethanol mixture separates from the gasoline, leading to potential engine damage. This can happen during transport, storage, or usage.
Secondly, ethanol's solvent properties can degrade rubber, plastic, and certain metals in the fuel system. This is especially true for older vehicles, where components were not designed to resist alcohol's corrosive properties. The dissolved material can clog filters or pass through and leave deposits on fuel injectors, fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators, carburetor jets, intake tracts, and valves.
Thirdly, ethanol's corrosive by-products can damage engine components over time. This can lead to costly repairs. Finally, ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline, so engines may require additional fuel additives to achieve the same performance levels.
While modern vehicles are generally designed to handle ethanol blends, it is important to understand its effects to maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity. Owners of older vehicles should be cautious and consider using fuel additives or avoiding high-ethanol blends to mitigate potential risks.
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Flex-fuel vehicles are eligible for tax credits
Flex-fuel vehicles, also known as flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicles, are eligible for tax credits in certain jurisdictions. These vehicles are designed to run on more than one type of fuel, usually a combination of gasoline and ethanol or methanol. The availability and amount of tax credits for flex-fuel vehicles vary depending on the country and local regulations.
In the United States, the federal government offers tax credits for certain plug-in electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. These tax credits are known as the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit and are administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To be eligible for the credit, individuals or businesses must install qualified refueling property, such as electric vehicle charging equipment, in eligible locations. The credit is designed to encourage the adoption of clean-burning fuels and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Some states and local governments in the United States may also offer additional tax incentives for flex-fuel vehicles. These incentives can vary by state and may include reductions in vehicle taxes, exemptions from certain fuel taxes, or other benefits. It is important for individuals and businesses to consult with a tax professional or refer to official IRS publications to determine their eligibility for specific tax credits.
In Europe, flex-fuel vehicles are sold in several countries, including France, where they receive strong tax incentives. For example, biofuel cars in France may benefit from a 0% to 50% reduction in the tax on new vehicles and a 40% reduction in the CO2 tax for new cars. Additionally, company cars in France are exempt from corporate car tax for two years, and businesses can recover 80% of the value-added tax (VAT) on E85 vehicles. The price of E85 fuel in France is also set significantly lower than diesel or gasoline, providing an additional cost benefit for flex-fuel vehicle owners.
While tax credits and incentives for flex-fuel vehicles can provide significant financial benefits, it is important to consider the eligibility requirements and specific regulations in your jurisdiction. Additionally, individuals and businesses should carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of flex-fuel vehicles, including their environmental impact, fuel efficiency, and the availability of alternative fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
A flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with ethanol or methanol fuel.
No, diesel is not a flex fuel. Flex fuels are usually a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. However, flex-fuel vehicles can run on diesel or gasoline.
One of the greatest advantages of a flex-fuel vehicle is that it can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The vehicle can automatically detect the blend and make the necessary adjustments. Ethanol is also more environmentally friendly than gasoline as it produces fewer toxic fumes.
