Learn about flex fuel vehicles and how they work

Flex fuel vehicles offer drivers unique advantages thanks to their ability to use gasoline, ethanol blends, or any combo of both. With flex fuel cars and trucks, you gain fuel supply flexibility along with lower emissions.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about flex fuel vehicles. We’ll examine how they work, what models are available, key benefits, considerations, and how to convert conventional vehicles to run flex fuel. Let's start with the basics.

What is Flex Fuel?

What Are Flex Fuel Vehicles?

Flex fuel vehicles are designed to run on gasoline, ethanol-gasoline blends up to 85% ethanol (called E85), or any mixture of the two fuels.

Thanks to special sensors and fuel system components, flex fuel vehicles can detect the fuel blend and automatically adjust for optimal performance. This gives owners wider fueling options.

Ethanol-gasoline blends provide renewable biofuel benefits and higher octane for added performance. But vehicles require specific flex fuel capability to operate on anything above 10% ethanol like E85.

Now that we’ve defined what makes flex fuel vehicles unique, let’s look closer at that fuel flexibility.

The Benefits of Flex Fuel

The Fuel Flexibility of Flex Fuel Vehicles

The signature trait of flex fuel vehicles is the ability to use multiple fuels seamlessly. Here are the details on how that fuel flexibility works:

Gasoline Usage

Flex fuel vehicles can run on regular pure gasoline just like conventional vehicles. There are no limitations when using good old gas.

E85 Ethanol Blend Usage

E85 is a renewable biofuel made from corn and other plant materials. The 85 represents the percentage of ethanol blended with just 15% gasoline.

Flex fuel vehicles can use high-ethanol E85 when available. Specially coated fuel system components resist corrosion from ethanol.

Gasoline-Ethanol Blend Usage

A major advantage of flex fuel vehicles is the ability to blend gas and ethanol in any percentage. E10 or E15 blends are common.

On-board sensors detect the actual ethanol content and adjust engine timing and fuel injection accordingly. This provides seamless flexibility to use any fuel mix.

Fuel Economy Impacts

Mileage decreases when using higher ethanol blends like E85 due to the lower energy density compared to gasoline. Expect around 25-30% fewer mpg on E85.

But the ability to choose fuels can allow flex vehicle owners to optimize costs by selecting gas or ethanol blends based on pricing. Now that we’ve covered the fuel flexibility fundamentals, what vehicles offer flex fuel capability?

Vehicles Available as Flex Fuel

Many newer vehicle models offer flex fuel configurations right from the factory. Here’s an overview of what’s available:

Domestic Models

The most common flex fuel offerings come from domestic brands, especially GM, Ford and Chrysler.

Models like the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chrysler 300 offer flex fuel trims able to use E85 ethanol.

Foreign Brand Models

Some foreign automakers also produce certain flex fuel models. For example, Nissan offers a flex fuel Titan pickup and Frontier models.

Toyota made a Flex Fuel Tundra capable of E85, though availability was limited to certain regions.

Identifying Flex Fuel Capability

Look for a yellow gas cap or under hood “Flex Fuel” badges on GM, Ford, and Chrysler models. Owners manuals will also indicate flex capability.

You can’t visually identify flex fuel cars as easily as trucks. Checking manuals and using VIN lookup tools provides definitive confirmation.

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to examine why flex fuel vehicles make sense for many drivers.

Benefits of Flex Fuel Vehicles

From fuel cost savings to lower emissions, flex fuel vehicles offer some clear advantages:

Fuel Supply Flexibility

The ability to fill up using gasoline or ethanol blends provides reassuring flexibility when fuel prices fluctuate or supply disruptions occur.

Gas shortages won’t strand flex fuel drivers - they can simply switch to filling up with widely available ethanol blends.

Higher Octane with E85

Pure ethanol boasts a very high octane rating around 113. E85 has an octane rating of 100+ compared to 87-93 for regular gasoline.

This higher octane provides a performance boost and guards against knocks or pre-ignition issues.

Lower Emissions with Ethanol

As a renewable biofuel, ethanol harvested yearly from crops helps reduce lifecycle carbon emissions compared to pure gasoline.

Plus, ethanol adds oxygen to fuel for more complete combustion and reduced tailpipe pollution. E85 emits fewer greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

For many drivers, the pluses of flex fuel compatibility make it a very appealing option when shopping for a new or used car or truck. But there are also some important considerations.

Key Considerations About Flex Fuel Vehicles

While the flexibility of flex fuel vehicles provides advantages, there are compromises to weigh as well:

Reduced Fuel Economy with E85

The major trade-off is lower fuel mileage when running ethanol blends instead of gasoline. As discussed earlier, expect a 25-30% reduction in mpg with E85.

The impact on operating costs depends on current gas versus ethanol pricing. Fuel price fluctuations influence which blend makes most economic sense.

Limited E85 Station Availability

While gasoline is universally available, E85 ethanol can only be purchased at select gas stations equipped with specific pumps and tanks.

E85 is easiest to find in the Midwest where much corn is harvested. Coastal states may have only a handful of stations offering E85.

This spotty availability limits ethanol access for drivers in many regions. Flex fuel only provides advantages if you can regularly source E85 based on local supply.

Carefully weighing the pros and cons allows you to make the right flex fuel decision for your needs. For those with conventional non-flex vehicles, conversions provide another option.

Converting to Flex Fuel Capability

Owners of non-flex models have another choice - aftermarket conversion systems that allow using ethanol blends. Here’s an overview:

Aftermarket Flex Fuel Kits

Companies like FlexFuel offer EPA-approved kits to convert existing vehicles to flex fuel compatibility.

Kits include upgraded fuel lines, corrosion-resistant fuel pumps, injectors, fuel rails, and an ethanol content sensor. Complete installations typically cost $800-$1200.

Professional Installation

Due to the specialized components and need for tuning, flex fuel conversions are best left to professional mechanics experienced with these systems.

Some kits allow DIY installation, but you risk potentially costly mistakes compared to experienced pros.

Resulting Flex Capability

Correctly installed kits result in the same flex fuel abilities as OEM flex fuel vehicles. Your converted car or truck can then run smoothly on any gasoline-ethanol blend.

Aftermarket conversions allow almost any vehicle to realize the benefits of fuel flexibility. But careful inspection of conversion components and professional installation is strongly advised.

With this comprehensive guide, you now understand the key advantages, considerations, and options when it comes to flex fuel vehicles. Let's recap the main takeaways:

  • Flex fuel vehicles can use gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any blend
  • Domestic brands offer the most models with flex fuel from the factory
  • Fuel flexibility provides supply and economic benefits
  • But ethanol availability and reduced fuel economy require consideration
  • Aftermarket conversion kits enable flex fuel capability

Hopefully this overview gives you the knowledge to decide if a flex fuel vehicle, either OEM or converted, makes sense for your driving needs. Let me know if you have any other flex fuel questions!

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of flex fuel vehicles?

Pros:

  • Flex fuel vehicles offer the flexibility to use either gasoline or E85 fuel, which is a blend of gasoline and ethanol.
  • E85 fuel is generally cheaper than gasoline, providing potential cost savings.
  • Flex fuel vehicles contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Using E85 fuel can support the agricultural industry and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Cons:

  • E85 fuel typically has lower energy content than gasoline, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
  • E85 fuel may be less readily available compared to gasoline.
  • Flex fuel vehicles may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
  • The production of ethanol for E85 fuel can have environmental impacts.

How can I determine if my car is flex fuel capable?

To determine if your car is flex fuel capable, you can:

  • Check for a yellow gas cap or ring.
  • Look for a Flex Fuel badge on the rear of the vehicle.
  • Check for "E85/Ethanol" wording on the windshield, window, or under the hood.
  • Refer to your vehicle owner's manual or consult a compatibility guide.
  • Contact the manufacturer or a dealership for confirmation.

Does using E85 lower gas mileage?

Using E85 fuel can lower gas mileage compared to using gasoline. Most flex fuel vehicle owners report a decrease in fuel economy when running on E85, with reductions ranging from a few percentage points to as much as 25%. The actual decrease in gas mileage depends on the ethanol content of the fuel being used.

What percentage of gas stations offer E85?

The availability of E85 fuel varies by location. According to eFlexFuel, E85 is available in over 3,800 gas stations across the US, with wider availability in the eastern and midwestern regions. Availability in the western region is increasing. To find E85 stations near you, you can use an E85 locator tool.

Is converting to flex fuel expensive?

The cost of converting a vehicle to flex fuel can vary depending on the specific vehicle and the conversion kit used. Plug-and-play E85 capability kits are available that can make your engine able to run on E85 flex fuel without the need for a compatible car. The cost of these kits can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the installation and the features of the kit.

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