Mercedes Mullins
E85 is an alternative fuel that has gained popularity in the US, particularly in the Midwest, and is available at 1,900 stations. It is a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is a grain alcohol usually made from corn, but it can also be made from sugar cane and other starches, including agricultural waste products. While E85 is considered environmentally friendly due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions, not all environmentalists support its use. Flex-fuel vehicles that can run on E85 include models from Audi, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Hyundai, Ram, and Mercedes-Benz.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | E85 is an alternative fuel that is a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% or more of pure gasoline. |
| History | Henry Ford built the first ethanol-powered car in the 1880s. |
| In 1908, Ford released the Model T, which could run on either regular gas or ethanol fuel. | |
| In 1996, Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce commercial flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). | |
| By 2006, Ford, GM, and Chrysler had pledged to double their FFV production. | |
| Environmental Impact | E85 has been considered environmentally friendly as it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is produced locally. |
| However, not all environmentalists support the use of corn-based ethanol, citing concerns about its economic and environmental impacts. | |
| Pricing | E85 costs less per gallon than regular gasoline. |
| Vehicle Compatibility | E85-compatible vehicles include those from GM, Ford, Audi, Nissan, VW, Mercedes, Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Hyundai, Ram, and more. |
| The number of new vehicles capable of running on E85 is dwindling, and federal incentives have shifted towards electric vehicles. | |
| E85 flex fuel is not yet widely available in the US, with most stations located in the Midwest. | |
| Fuel Economy | E85 vehicles may have lower fuel economy ratings and require more frequent refuelling. |
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What You'll Learn
E85 flex fuel cars in the US
E85 flex fuel is a combination of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It is a renewable and domestically produced alternative fuel that is usually cheaper than regular gas, although vehicles using it travel fewer miles per gallon. E85 is also better for the environment than gasoline, as it burns cleaner and reduces reliance on foreign oil.
In the US, flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on E85 have been available since 1988, after the Alternative Motor Fuels Act was passed. This act provided credits for the production of vehicles that run on alternative fuels. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce commercial FFVs in 1996, and by 2006, Ford, GM, and Chrysler had pledged to double their FFV production. Today, Audi, Nissan, VW, Mercedes, Toyota, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Mazda, Jaguar Land Rover, and Hyundai also produce FFVs.
There are now more than 16 million FFVs on the road in the US, including compacts, sedans, minivans, trucks, and SUVs. FFVs are distinguished by a yellow fuel cap and/or a badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle. They can run on regular unleaded gasoline, ethanol blends up to E85, or a combination of the fuels in the same tank.
While E85 is a popular option for FFV owners, it is important to note that it is not available at every filling station. There are more than 5,000 retail stations offering higher ethanol blends and over 300 E85 stations in Iowa, but E85 is not currently offered in Germany.
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E85 flex fuel cars in Brazil
Brazil has the world's largest fleet of flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs). These cars can run on any mix of E20-E25 gasoline and up to 100% hydrous ethanol fuel (E100). Introduced in 2003, FFVs became a commercial success, dominating the passenger vehicle market with a 94% market share of all new cars and light vehicles sold in 2013. By 2015, flex-fuel light-duty vehicle cumulative sales totaled 25.5 million units, and production of flex motorcycles totaled 4 million in March 2015.
Brazilian flex engines are designed with higher compression ratios, taking advantage of the higher ethanol blends and maximizing the benefits of ethanol's higher oxygen content, resulting in lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The Brazilian car manufacturing industry developed these vehicles to address the challenges posed by the 1973 oil crisis and the subsequent ethanol supply shortage in the 1980s.
The flexibility of Brazilian FFVs allows consumers to choose their fuel based on market prices. Ethanol's energy content is around 34% less per unit volume than gasoline, so flex cars running on ethanol have lower mileage. However, this is offset by ethanol's typically lower price per liter. Brazilian media advises consumers to use more ethanol than gasoline when it is at least 30% cheaper, as its price fluctuates with the seasonal sugar cane harvest.
While FFVs have surged in popularity, there is a growing trend towards electric vehicles (EVs) globally. Brazil's new vehicle emissions regulation (MOVER) offers tax discounts for hybrid vehicles, and the country's new president, Lula, has pledged to modernize the auto industry and improve environmental policies. However, the direction of the new government's stance on EVs remains unclear, and FFVs remain popular due to their lower sticker price.
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E85 flex fuel cars in Europe
E85 is a type of flex fuel that contains up to 85% renewable ethanol in volume, blended with petrol. It is used in flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of the two. E85 is widely available in France and Sweden, and to a lesser extent in other European countries. In Europe, FFVs are also known as flexifuel vehicles.
In the European market, Volvo has offered several flexifuel models, including the S40, V50, C30, S80, and V70. These models were initially restricted to the Swedish market but were later launched in eight new European markets in 2007. Saab also introduced flexifuel models to the Swedish market in 2005, including the 9-5 2.0 Biopower and the 9-5 2.3 Biopower. In 2007, Saab began selling a BioPower version of its Saab 9-3 line, and in 2008, it introduced the Saab-derived Cadillac BLS with E85-compatible engines.
Ford of Europe offers several flex-fuel models capable of using E85, including the Ford Focus Flexifuel, which was the first flexible-fuel vehicle sold in the UK and Ireland. Other Ford models that may be compatible with E85 include the Ford C-Max Flexifuel and the Ford Ranger pickup, although the availability of these models may vary by country.
In addition to Volvo, Saab, and Ford, several other automakers offer FFV models capable of using E85 in Europe. These include Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, Audi, Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Toyota. However, it's important to note that the availability of E85-compatible models may vary by country and specific trim levels or engine selections.
To determine if a vehicle is E85 compatible, look for a badge with "Flex-Fuel," "FFV," or "E85," or a yellow fuel cap or yellow ring around the fuel filler hole. Additionally, you can check the owner's manual, the fuel door, or the vehicle identification number to confirm E85 compatibility.
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$58.69
E85 flex fuel cars in Thailand
Thailand has been pushing for the use of E85-capable cars since 2008. The government has implemented policies that encourage the use of E85 fuel and cars that burn them by cutting the excise tax. E85 is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, also known as "flex fuel". It is a renewable and domestically produced alternative fuel that is made from plant materials, including corn.
In Thailand, E20 to E25 blends have been used since the late 1970s. Due to government support for agriculture, the blending of up to 15% ethanol in fuels is mandated by state decrees. E85 was introduced in 2007, and fuel specifications were determined.
Some automotive brands that offer flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) include Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC. In the Thai market, some models capable of running on any blend between E20 to E85 are produced and sold. These include:
- Volvo S40
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Peugeot
- Renault
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
A badge with "Flex-Fuel", "FFV", or "E85" on the rear of the vehicle may indicate that it is compatible with E85 fuel. Additionally, a yellow gas cap or a yellow ring around the hole where the nozzle is inserted are good indications that the car can use flex fuel.
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History of E85 flex fuel cars
E85 flex fuel is an alternative fuel that has gained popularity in the US, particularly in the Midwest. It is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, with ethanol making up to 85% of the composition. The use of ethanol, which is often made from corn, has been a topic of debate among environmentalists, with some arguing that it is essentially "subsidized food burning".
The history of E85 flex fuel in cars dates back to the 1880s when Henry Ford built the first ethanol-powered car. Over a century later, in the 1990s, flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) started to become popular, and manufacturers began producing new cars that could use this biofuel blend. This technology, which allows cars to run on either regular gas or ethanol fuel, was first introduced by Ford in their 1908 Model-T.
Initially, most of the vehicles that could use E85 flex fuel were American, but other manufacturers have since joined the trend. Brands like Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC have offered FFVs in their 2025 model year, and as recently as 2015, eight manufacturers offered over 80 different models to consumers.
Today, several automotive brands offer E85-friendly vehicles, including Audi, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Hyundai, Ram, and Mercedes-Benz. Many of these manufacturers introduced flex-fuel models in countries like Brazil, a significant ethanol producer, and some models may not be available in the US.
While E85 flex fuel has its advantages, it is important to note that it is not yet widely available in the US, with most E85 gas stations located in the Midwest. Additionally, vehicles running on E85 fuel have been found to produce less energy and have lower fuel economy ratings than those using traditional gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
E85 is an alternative fuel that is a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% or more of pure gasoline. Ethanol is a grain alcohol usually made from corn but can also be made from sugar cane and other starches, including agricultural waste products.
E85 flex fuel can be used only in flex-fuel vehicles and will damage a traditional gasoline engine. As of August 2009, most of the vehicles that could use it were American, but some other manufacturers have also started producing flex-fuel vehicles. Some of the brands that offer E85-friendly vehicles are Audi, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Hyundai, Ram, and Mercedes-Benz.
E85 flex fuel is not widely available in the US. Most E85 gas stations are concentrated in corn-producing states in the Midwest, such as Illinois and Iowa.
