What is a Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV)? A flex fuel vehicle runs on both gasoline and ethanol or a mixture of the two. The vehicle has a single fuel tank with a special sensor that analyzes the fuel mixture and controls timing and fuel injection to compensate for fuel composition. Flex fuel vehicles are sometimes referred to as variable fuel vehicles.
What is a bi-fuel vehicle? Unlike a flex fuel vehicle, which runs off a single fuel tank, bi-fuel vehicles have two separate fuel systems. One system usually runs off of gasoline or diesel and the other most commonly runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied propane gas (LPG). You can switch from one fuel system to the other depending on which kind of fuel you find available.
What is ethanol? Basically, ethanol is alcohol. Ethanol is created through the fermentation of agricultural materials like grain or corn. It is used for all kinds of applications including alcoholic drinks, cosmetics, solvents and increasingly, as a source of fuel. Ethanol is frequently used as a fuel additive to boost octane levels of gasoline. Increasingly, it is used in higher concentrations in vehicles optimized for its use.
What is E85? E85 is the most commonly used fuel mixture for flex fuel vehicles. It is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Are FFVs environmentally friendly? Compared with conventionally fueled vehicles, most FFVs produce lower carbon monoxide and dioxide emissions. E85 is less volatile than gasoline and has less evaporation. Since E85 is domestically produced, it helps reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and because it's made from crops like corn and grain, it is a renewable resource. However, some scientists believe it takes more energy to create a gallon of ethanol than the fuel actually produces, resulting in a net negative environmental impact. There is a great deal of research currently underway on other developing other types of bio-materials like switchgrass and corn stover into ethanol which could impact the fuel's long term environmental impact and availability.
What are corn stover and switchgrass? Corn stover is the part of the corn left over after a harvest: stalk, leaves, cob and husk. Switchgrass is a perennial tall grass commonly found in the Great Plains and prairies of the South. It often grows on roadsides or is used by farmers for livestock grazing or to control erosion.
How many flex fuel vehicles are there? The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition estimates there are 5 million flex fuel vehicles on the road as of 2005. FFVs are commonly used in municipal and state fleets. Many people are driving flex fuel capable vehicles and don't even know it.
How long have flex fuel vehicles been available? The technology has existed for decades. Ford Motor Company is credited with inventing flex fuel technology in the mid-1980s. Since then, Ford, GM, and Daimler-Chrysler have all gone on to develop flex fuel vehicles.
Where can I fill up a flex fuel vehicle? Technically, you can fill up at any regular gas station, since the car is designed to run solely on gasoline if necessary. However, if you choose to use E85, your options are more limited. Due to the availability of corn (the substance from which ethanol is most often made), most E85-equipped stations are located in the Midwest. There are about 150 public E85 stations nationwide. There are only four ethanol stations in the state of California and only one of those is public (RTC Fuels in San Diego). In Nevada, there are two public fill-up stations; at Huey's Mart in Henderson and Las Vegas. Utah has three public stations: Draper Chevron in Draper, Christensen Oil Company in Provo and JP's American Car Care in Clearfield.
How much does E85 cost? Prices vary regionally depending on availability. Generally, E85 is priced similar to regular grade gasoline in the Mid West. It tends to be more expensive in the West, where it is less available.
Will E85 get cheaper in my area? Like any commodity, as supply and competition increases prices will likely decline. There are plans to open an ethanol plant in Madera, California in late 2006. The company opening the Madera plant, Pacific Ethanol, has announced plans to open an additional four plants over the next four years.
How much does an FFV cost? Flex fuel vehicles generally cost about the same as comparable gasoline vehicles. In some cases, you can add E85 capability as a vehicle option for an additional cost.
Do FFVs have unique maintenance needs? Most maintenance practices for FFVs are identical to conventionally fueled vehicles. You don't need to go to a special repair facility - local dealers or independent repair facilities will be able to service your vehicle. Some FFVs require special lubricants. As with any vehicle, check your owner's manual to make sure the correct engine oil is used.
