Flex Fuel Vehicles: Oil Change Differences Explained

Flex-fuel vehicles are those that have internal combustion engines designed to run on more than one type of fuel. They can use E85, a mix that can contain from 51% to 85% ethanol and the remainder as gasoline, or regular unleaded gasoline. They are distinguished from bi-fuel vehicles, where two fuels are stored in separate tanks and the engine runs on one fuel at a time. Flex-fuel vehicles have some benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to understand them before investing in this type of vehicle.

Flex fuel vehicles are cheaper to run

Flex-fuel vehicles are cheaper to run, offering significant savings for drivers. Flex-fuel is, on average, 32% cheaper than traditional gasoline. This is because ethanol is cheaper than regular gasoline. For example, at the time of writing, the national average for E85 is 80 cents less than E10, the most common type of fuel.

In addition, flex-fuel vehicles are also compatible with regular gasoline, so drivers can choose the cheapest option. This is possible because flex-fuel vehicles have sensors that detect the gasoline-ethanol ratio in the fuel and make adjustments for optimal performance.

The savings on offer depend on the vehicle's mpg rating and the local price of E85. Drivers will need to calculate whether the reduced fuel economy offsets any savings at the pump.

It is also worth noting that E85 is not available at every filling station. However, flex-fuel vehicles can also use traditional gasoline, so this is not a huge problem.

Flex fuel vehicles are better for the environment

Flex-fuel vehicles are better for the environment for several reasons. Firstly, flex fuel is a clean-burning, renewable, and sustainable resource that can be blended with gasoline to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The use of flex fuel has been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%, making it an attractive option for those looking to lower their carbon footprint.

Secondly, flex fuel is derived from domestic products like corn or other biological materials grown within the United States, reducing the country's reliance on foreign oil. Additionally, ethanol, a key component of flex fuel, is a renewable resource, unlike oil, which is a finite resource. This makes ethanol a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.

Thirdly, flex-fuel vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, including electronic sensors that can detect the fuel blend and adjust the engine's performance accordingly. This technology ensures that flex-fuel vehicles can burn whatever proportion of the fuel mixture is in the combustion chamber, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Finally, flex fuel is more cost-effective than traditional gasoline, saving drivers money at the pump. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the environmental benefits, makes flex fuel an increasingly popular and preferred choice for fueling vehicles while preserving the planet's natural resources.

Flex fuel vehicles are more common than you think

Flex-Fuel Vehicles Are More Common Than You Think

Flex-fuel vehicles, or flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), are more common than you might expect. With a history dating back to the 1970s, flex-fuel technology has come a long way, and these vehicles are now a viable option for many drivers. Here's why you may be seeing more of them on the road than you'd think.

A Long History

Flex-fuel vehicles have been around for several decades. The concept emerged in the 1970s as a response to oil shortages and a desire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Brazilian government, for instance, implemented the National Alcohol Program to phase out automotive fuels derived from fossil fuels in favour of ethanol made from sugar cane. This set the ball rolling for the development of flex-fuel technology.

Growing Popularity

Over the years, flex-fuel vehicles have gained traction, especially in certain parts of the world. As of 2022, there were more than 20.9 million FFVs in the United States alone. Brazil, a leader in flex-fuel technology, had approximately 30.5 million flex-fuel light-duty vehicles and over 6 million flex-fuel motorcycles by March 2018. These numbers show that flex-fuel is not just a niche market but a significant portion of the automotive industry.

Major Manufacturers on Board

Several major car manufacturers have embraced flex-fuel technology. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Audi, Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz are among the brands that have produced flex-fuel vehicles. This broad adoption by established automakers has contributed to the growing presence of flex-fuel vehicles on the roads.

Environmental Benefits

Flex-fuel vehicles offer environmental advantages, which have contributed to their popularity. Ethanol, the primary alternative fuel in flex-fuel vehicles, burns cleaner than gasoline. It produces fewer toxic fumes and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option. This has attracted drivers who are conscious of their carbon footprint and has led to initiatives by governments and organisations to promote flex-fuel technology.

Financial Incentives

In addition to the environmental benefits, flex-fuel vehicles often come with financial perks. Ethanol-based fuels tend to be cheaper than traditional gasoline, resulting in cost savings for drivers. In some cases, consumers who drive flex-fuel vehicles receive tax credits that can significantly reduce their tax obligations. These financial incentives have made flex-fuel vehicles more appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

Infrastructure Support

The flex-fuel ecosystem has grown to support the increasing number of vehicles. As of 2022, there were around 4,500 gas stations across the United States selling E85 flex fuel. Brazil, a leader in flex-fuel adoption, had approximately 33,000 filling stations with at least one ethanol pump available by 2006. This expanding infrastructure makes it more convenient for flex-fuel vehicle owners to refuel, contributing to the viability of these vehicles for everyday use.

Flex fuel vehicles are not always clearly labelled

Flex-fuel vehicles are not always clearly labelled. In fact, many people who own flex-fuel vehicles are unaware that their car is capable of using more than one type of fuel. This is because flex-fuel vehicles are factory-made and look identical to gasoline-only models. The exteriors of flex and non-flex vehicles are exactly the same, and there is no sale price difference between them.

However, since 2008, all new flex-fuel vehicle models in the US have featured a bright yellow gas cap to remind drivers of the E85 capabilities and proper flex-fuel badging. Some capless fuel fillers have a yellow ring around where you insert the fuel nozzle. Some flex-fuel vehicles also have labels on the fuel door indicating they take flex fuel. Badges with terms such as "E85", "Flex-Fuel", or "FFV" may also indicate that a vehicle can use E85.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle is a flex-fuel vehicle, you can check your owner's manual. The owner's manual will usually specify which fuels can be used in your vehicle. If you don't have a manual, it may be available on the manufacturer's website. You can also visit Fueleconomy.gov to learn how to identify a flex-fuel vehicle.

Flex fuel is not always readily available

One of the main drawbacks of owning a flex-fuel vehicle is the scarcity of fuel stations that supply ethanol. Flex fuel is not as economical as gasoline, so gas stations are less likely to stock it. Only a small percentage of gas stations across the United States supply ethanol, although this is likely to change as more consumers purchase flex-fuel vehicles.

E85 is the most common form of flex fuel available on the market. Because ethanol is corn-based, E85 gas is more readily available in the Midwest region of the United States. It is less available in other regions, especially New England and the Pacific Northwest. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are 3,300 E85 gas stations available to the public across 42 states.

The percentage of ethanol in E85 also depends on the season and geographical location. E85 contains 51% to 83% ethanol, with producers adding more ethanol in the summer than in the winter. In colder areas and during winter, E85 can contain as little as 51% ethanol, while warm-weather blends contain 85%.

While flex-fuel vehicles can also run on standard gas, the scarcity of fuel stations that supply ethanol is still a significant drawback for owners of these vehicles.

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