Sylvie Willis
Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and 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 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on geography and season. While flex fuel can be sustainably produced using corn and sugar, its production comes with a downside. Ethanol absorbs dirt easily, which can potentially corrode and damage your engine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. |
| Other Names | E85, FFV |
| Composition | E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing between 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and geographic region of the distributor. |
| Flexibility | Flex-fuel vehicles can use E85 or regular unleaded gasoline. |
| Engine Type | Flex-fuel vehicles have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel. |
| Engine Modifications | Flex-fuel vehicles have a few modifications to the engine and fuel system, but are otherwise virtually identical to gasoline-only models. |
| Engine Performance | While fuel economy (miles per gallon) is generally lower with increased levels of ethanol, many FFVs have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends. |
| Environmental Impact | Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, so flex-fuel cars produce fewer toxic fumes. |
| Fuel Production | Flex fuel can be sustainably produced using corn and sugar, but this can potentially drive up the price of animal feed and impact corn prices during poor harvests. |
| Fuel Availability | E85 is not available at every filling station, but around 4,500 gas stations across the U.S. sell it, mostly in corn-producing Eastern and Midwestern states. |
| Vehicle Availability | In 2017, there were approximately 21 million flex-fuel vehicles on the road globally, with over 20.9 million in the U.S. alone. More recent estimates suggest there could be more than 27 million flex-fuel vehicles today. |
| Vehicle Examples | Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, Saab 9-5 Biopower E85, Saab 9-3 BioPower, Lotus CityCar |
| Countries Sold In | Flexifuel vehicles are sold in 18 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. |
| Tax Incentives | Some countries, like France, offer strong tax incentives for biofuel cars, including reduced taxes on new vehicles and CO2 emissions. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Flex fuel is not diesel
Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. It is not the same as diesel. Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are those that have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank.
Flex-fuel vehicles can use regular unleaded fuel or E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 is not available at every filling station. FFVs are factory-made and capable of operating on gasoline and gasoline-ethanol blends, so many vehicle owners may not realize their car is an FFV and that they have a choice of fuels to use.
E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on geography and season. For example, E85 sold during colder months often has lower levels of ethanol to produce the vapor pressure necessary for starting in cold temperatures. While fuel economy (miles per gallon) is generally lower with increased levels of ethanol, many FFVs have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends.
Flex-fuel vehicles are sold in 18 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, there were more than 20.9 million FFVs in 2022, with some estimates placing the number at more than 27 million.
Storing Diesel Fuel: How Long Can You Keep It?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flex fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol
Flex fuel, also known as E85, is a blend of gasoline and ethanol. It contains anywhere from 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the region and season. The higher ethanol content in the blend during the winter in colder regions helps to avoid cold-starting problems. Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on more than one fuel, usually a blend of gasoline and ethanol, and both fuels are stored in the same tank. Modern flex-fuel engines can burn any proportion of the blend as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the blend detected by a fuel composition sensor.
FFVs have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% ethanol. While fuel economy tends to be lower with higher ethanol blends, FFVs often have improved acceleration performance with these blends. FFVs do not experience a loss in performance when using E85 fuel, and some even generate increased torque and horsepower.
Ethanol is produced from ingredients like cane sugar and corn, making it a good alternative to foreign oil. Its use as a fuel source is becoming more common, with over 20.9 million FFVs in the United States as of 2022. FFVs are available from automakers like Ford, Volvo, and Saab in 18 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and more.
In addition to environmental benefits, consumers of flex-fuel vehicles may receive tax credits that reduce or eliminate their tax obligations. However, the production of ethanol for flex fuel can impact the availability of crops for other purposes. Overall, flex fuel offers a blend of gasoline and ethanol that can provide improved performance and a more sustainable fuel option.
Cleaning Diesel Fuel Spills: Quick and Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are vehicles with an internal combustion engine designed to run on multiple fuels. They are based on dual-fuel systems that supply both fuels into the combustion chamber at the same time in various calibrated proportions. The most common FFVs run on unleaded gasoline blended with ethanol or methanol fuel, with both fuels stored in the same common tank. Modern flex-fuel engines can burn any proportion of the resulting blend as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by a fuel composition sensor.
The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle. FFVs can also run on pure gasoline, pure ethanol (E100), or any combination of both. The term flexible-fuel vehicles is sometimes used to include other alternative fuel vehicles that can run with compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG; also known as autogas), or hydrogen. However, these vehicles are bi-fuel, not flexible-fuel, as they have engines that store the other fuel in a separate tank, and the engine runs on one fuel at a time.
E85 (or flex fuel) is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. E85 FFVs have a lower mileage per gallon than gasoline as ethanol contains about 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline. However, FFVs have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends. In the USA, FFVs are known as "E85 vehicles", while in Brazil, they are called "total flex" or "flex" cars, and in Europe, they are known as "flexifuel" vehicles. Automakers, particularly in Brazil and Europe, use badging in their FFV models with some variant of the word "flex". For example, Volvo sells its flexifuel model as "Volvo Flexifuel" in Europe and simply as "Flex" in Brazil.
As of 2022, there were more than 20.9 million FFVs in the United States. FFVs are factory-made, and many vehicle owners may not realize their car is an FFV and that they have a choice of fuels to use. FFVs are similar to their conventional gasoline-only counterparts, except for an ethanol-compatible fuel system and a different powertrain calibration.
Diesel Fuel and Water: How Much is Too Much?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
FFVs can run on gasoline or any blend of gasoline and ethanol
Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol. They have an internal combustion engine capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% ethanol (known as E85). FFVs can also run on pure ethanol (E100).
E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing between 51% and 85% ethanol, depending on geography and season. The blend is optimised to reduce ethanol emissions and avoid cold-starting issues in cold weather. For example, the ethanol content is reduced during winter in regions where temperatures fall below freezing.
FFVs are factory-made and, externally, are identical to gasoline-only models. They are similar to their conventional counterparts, except for an ethanol-compatible fuel system and a different powertrain calibration. Many vehicle owners are unaware that their car is an FFV and that they have a choice of fuels. FFVs are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles, where the two fuels are stored in separate tanks and the engine runs on one fuel at a time.
The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle. Modern flex-fuel engines are capable of burning any proportion of the blend in the combustion chamber, as fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically according to the actual blend detected by a fuel composition sensor.
While fuel economy (miles per gallon) is generally lower with increased levels of ethanol, FFVs may have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends.
Fueling Your Jeep Grand Cherokee: Diesel Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
FFVs are factory-made and similar to gasoline-only models
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are factory-made and similar to gasoline-only models. They have an internal combustion engine and 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 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. FFVs are 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.
The most common commercially available FFV in the world market is the ethanol flexible-fuel vehicle. FFVs are unique because they can run on normal gasoline, E85, or a combination of both, giving drivers the flexibility to choose the most economical or readily available option. FFVs decrease petroleum usage by 30-40%, supporting domestic fuel production and reducing reliance on imported oil. They also offer significant decreases in greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular vehicles. For example, E85 fuel can cut carbon monoxide output by up to 30%, contributing to the fight against climate change and improved air quality.
FFVs are available in many countries, including the United States, Australia, and several European nations such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In the US alone, there were over 20.9 million FFVs on the roads as of 2022. Ford has been a pioneer of flex-fuel technology, offering a range of models with flex-fuel engine options, such as the F-150 and Super Duty pickups, Explorer SUV, and Transit cargo van.
While FFVs offer environmental and performance benefits, it is important to note that fuel economy (miles per gallon) is generally lower with increased levels of ethanol, as engines are optimized for gasoline. However, FFVs can deliver improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends. Proper maintenance is crucial for maximizing the performance and longevity of FFVs, especially due to the impact of ethanol on fuel-system components.
Diesel vs Gasoline: Does Diesel Fuel Explode?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, is an alternative fuel made of a combination of gasoline and methanol or ethanol. Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol.
Flex fuel vehicles can use regular unleaded fuel or E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 is not a diesel fuel, and traditional gas engines cannot use it. However, some flex-fuel vehicles can also run on diesel. For example, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid can adapt its combustion engine to run on E85, E100, or diesel.
One advantage of flex-fuel vehicles is that they can burn any proportion of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, so flex-fuel cars produce fewer toxic fumes. E85 flex fuel is also usually cheaper than regular gasoline, although vehicles using it may travel fewer miles per gallon.
