Mercedes Mullins
Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on more than one type of fuel, typically a mixture of gasoline and ethanol or methanol. Ethanol is considered a renewable fuel because it is made from biomass or plant matter, rather than fossil fuels. The most common type of flex-fuel vehicle is one that can run on E85 ethanol, also known as flex fuel, in addition to gasoline. E85 is generally cheaper than gasoline, burns cleaner, and provides more horsepower. However, it has a lower energy density than gasoline, which means more frequent refuelling. When renting a flex-fuel vehicle, it is important to consider the availability of E85 fuel stations and the potential for lower fuel mileage. Some rental companies offer flex-fuel vehicles with a full tank of fuel, allowing renters to return the vehicle without refuelling, although this may result in paying for unused fuel.
Characteristics and Values of Flex Fuel Rental Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A flexible fuel or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle that is designed to run on more than one fuel. |
| Fuel Type | Typically gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol. |
| Fuel Policy | Full-to-Full, Pre-purchase, Pre-purchase (refund), Pre-purchase (partial refund), Free Tank of Fuel |
| Fuel Cap | Yellow fuel cap or yellow ring around the fuel filler |
| Fuel Economy | E85 has a lower fuel economy and lower energy density than gasoline, resulting in more frequent refuelling stops. |
| Fuel Cost | E85 is generally cheaper than gasoline. |
| Engine | Engines tuned to run flex fuel adjust their engine control units to compensate for any mixture of ethanol. |
| Environmental Impact | Flex fuel burns cleaner and is more renewable than gasoline, reducing emissions and environmental damage. |
| Horsepower | Flex fuel can provide more horsepower than gasoline. |
| Maintenance | Vehicles running on pure E85 require more frequent oil changes due to fuel dilution in the engine oil. |
| Fuel Stations | Availability of E85 stations varies by location; common in the Corn Belt, Detroit, and Brazil. |
| Vehicle Examples | Ford E-Series vans, 2011 Buick Lucerne, 2011 Avenger, 2011 Grand Marquis, Grand Caravan, Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid |
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What You'll Learn
Flex-fuel rental cars are more environmentally friendly
While E85 is generally cheaper than gasoline, the potential for cost savings depends on the fuel policy of the rental company and the fuel prices in the region. Some rental companies offer a Full to Full policy, where the vehicle must be returned with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up. Others offer a Pre-purchase (refund) policy, where the customer pays for a full tank upfront and receives a refund for any unused fuel.
When renting a flex-fuel vehicle, it is important to be aware of the type of fuel in the tank to avoid using the wrong type of fuel. E85 is specifically designed for flex-fuel vehicles and should not be used in non-flex-fuel cars, as it can cause engine damage. Flex-fuel vehicles can typically be identified by a yellow fuel cap or a yellow ring around the fuel filler, and by checking the vehicle's manual.
By choosing a flex-fuel rental car and using the appropriate type of fuel, individuals can contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation option, reducing the impact of fossil fuels on the environment.
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They can be cheaper to refuel
Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on more than one type of fuel, typically a combination of gasoline and ethanol or methanol. They are equipped with electronic sensors that gauge the blend of fuel and make adjustments for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion. This means that flex-fuel vehicles can burn whatever proportion of the fuel mixture is in the combustion chamber.
One of the greatest advantages of a flex-fuel vehicle is the potential cost savings. E85, or flex fuel, is often cheaper than regular gasoline. For example, in 2014, the national average price of a gallon of E85 was $2.77, compared to $3.54 for a gallon of regular gas. More recently, in 2024, the national average price of a gallon of E85 was $2.48, about 57 cents less than a gallon of regular unleaded gas. This price difference can result in significant savings when refuelling a flex-fuel vehicle.
However, it is important to note that E85 has a lower fuel economy than regular gasoline, as ethanol contains less energy. This means that while E85 may be cheaper per gallon, you will need to refuel more frequently as you will get fewer miles per gallon. The impact of this lower fuel economy will depend on the vehicle and its mileage with gasoline versus E85. Some vehicles may experience a close to 25% difference in mileage, while others may have a smaller difference, making E85 the more cost-effective option.
When renting a flex-fuel vehicle, the cost savings of E85 fuel will depend on the fuel policy of the rental company and the type of fuel in the tank when you pick up the car. Most rental cars come with a Full to Full policy, where you need to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. If you pick up a flex-fuel rental car with a full tank of gas, you can take advantage of the cost savings of E85 fuel. However, if the tank is filled with E85, you may end up paying more if you need to refuel with gasoline before returning the car.
Additionally, the availability of E85 fuel can vary depending on your location. E85 filling stations are more commonly found in certain regions, such as the upper Midwest in the United States. Therefore, when considering the cost savings of flex-fuel vehicles, it is important to factor in the availability of E85 fuel in your area.
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They have flexible ethanol content
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating with flexible ethanol content. This means they can run on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. The percentage of ethanol in the blend depends on geography and season. For example, in winter, the alcohol content is reduced to a winter blend of E70 in regions where temperatures fall below 0°C.
E85, also known as flex fuel, is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol. FFVs can also operate on gasoline alone. This flexibility in fuel type is beneficial for drivers, as they can choose the cheapest fuel available. For example, E85 is often more affordable than gasoline, with prices varying across the US.
The engine control module (ECM) in FFVs is calibrated to accommodate the higher oxygen content of ethanol. FFVs have improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends, although fuel economy (miles per gallon) is generally lower with increased ethanol levels. Engines are optimized for gasoline, so higher ethanol blends may result in lower fuel mileage.
The first commercial flexible fuel vehicle was the Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927. It could use gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of both. By the end of 2017, there were over 21 million E85 flex-fuel vehicles in the US, making it the second-largest fleet globally after Brazil. Despite this, the actual use of ethanol fuel is limited due to the lack of E85 refueling infrastructure and low consumer awareness of flex-fuel capabilities.
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Flex-fuel cars are not widely available
Another reason for the limited availability of flex-fuel cars is the lack of awareness among consumers. Many people are unfamiliar with the benefits of flex-fuel vehicles, and some may even be driving a flex-fuel car without realizing it, as these vehicles often look no different from other cars. Additionally, some car manufacturers initially chose not to put any exterior labeling on flex-fuel vehicles, further contributing to the lack of awareness.
The high cost of flex-fuel vehicles compared to their gasoline-only counterparts could also be a factor in their limited availability. While flex-fuel technology is not new, with the mass-produced 1994 Ford Taurus being an early example, it has yet to gain mainstream adoption. This could be due to the higher upfront cost of purchasing a flex-fuel vehicle, which may deter consumers who are unsure about the benefits or who are sensitive to price changes.
Furthermore, there are obstacles to the widespread use of E85 fuel, which is commonly used in flex-fuel vehicles. A 2014 analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association found that oil companies prevent or discourage their retailers from selling E85 through various tactics, making it less accessible to consumers. This limited availability of E85 fuel can make it inconvenient or challenging for flex-fuel vehicle owners to refuel, potentially impacting their decision to choose a flex-fuel option.
While flex-fuel cars offer certain advantages, such as reduced environmental impact due to the use of ethanol, they are not yet widely available. This limited availability is influenced by factors such as the higher cost of flex-fuel vehicles, the lack of consumer awareness, the limited availability of E85 fuel, and the economic considerations of gas stations. However, as more consumers recognize the benefits of flex-fuel technology and as the demand for environmentally friendly options increases, we may see a shift towards wider adoption and availability of flex-fuel cars in the future.
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Rental car fuel policies vary
Another option is the Pre-purchase fuel policy, where you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car. This can save you time and hassle when dropping off the car, especially if you are returning it outside of business hours. However, it may not be the most budget-friendly option, as you may end up paying for fuel you don't use. A variation of this policy is the Pre-purchase (refund) fuel policy, where you will be refunded for any unused fuel when you drop off the car. This option typically takes around 15 days to be refunded to your account.
Some rental companies, like Enterprise, offer a Pre-pay fuel option, where you can pre-pay for a full tank of fuel at a discounted rate per gallon. This option provides the convenience of not having to refuel before returning the car. However, it is important to note that prepaid fuel is usually only sold in full tanks. Additionally, local fuel rates may vary depending on the area you are renting in.
Goldcar offers a unique Flex Fuel System, where you pay for the amount of fuel in the tank, plus service costs and location expenses when collecting the vehicle. Upon returning the car, Goldcar will refund you for any unused fuel automatically. However, the service costs are non-refundable and include advantages such as a fast return and not being obliged to refuel before returning the car.
When choosing a rental car fuel policy, consider your budget, how much driving you plan to do, and the convenience you desire. Each policy has its own positives and negatives, so it is important to read the fine print and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A flex-fuel rental car is a vehicle that has been specifically designed to run on E85 fuel, a mixture of gasoline and between 51-83% ethanol.
E85 fuel is generally a lot cheaper than gasoline, burns cleaner, and is much more renewable. It also has a higher octane rating than gasoline, allowing modified cars to make more power.
E85 fuel has a lower energy density than gasoline, which means that it has a lot less energy per gallon. This results in lower fuel economy and more frequent refuelling stops.
You can determine if you have a flex-fuel rental car by checking for a yellow fuel cap or a yellow ring around the fuel filler, or by looking in the car's manual.
