Flexible Fuel Vehicles

How do I tell if my vehicle is an Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)?

Flex-fuel vehicles (ffv's) are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline and an alcohol gasoline blended fuel, either ethanol or methanol, in any mixture. For example, FFV's cna run on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), or M85 (85% methanol, 15% gasoline), 100% gasoline, or any combination of these fuels. Like other cars, a flexible fueled vehicle (FFV) has a fuel tank, fuel system, and a combustion engine but the connections between them are specialized. The vehicle is designed to run on either unleaded gasoline, or an alcohol based fuel (usually ethanol) in any mixture. The engine and fuel system in a flex-fuel vehicle must be adapted slightly to run on alcohol fuels because they are corrosive. FFV's also have a special sensor in the fuel line to analyze the fuel mixture and control the fuel injection and timing to adjust for different fuel ratios. The flex-fuel vehicle offers its owner an environmentally beneficial option whenever the alternative fuel is available. While most all cars are capable of running on E10 and or E15, that ability does not qualify them as being a Flexible Fuel Vehicle. E10 and E15 fuel blends are simply a replacement for the older, and possibly more widely known gasoline additive MTBE which was recently outlawed. Some Alternative Fuel Cars that were purchased, or put into service in 2006 qualify for a Tax Credit.

U.S. Flex-Fuel Vehicles

Europe

Ford Focus, Focus C-MAX
Saab 9-5
Volvo S40, V50 USA
Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Caravan, Durango, Grand Caravan, Ram Pickup, Stratus
Ford Crown Victoria, F-150, Taurus, Sport Trac XLT, Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car
Chevrolet Avalanche, Impala, Monte Carlo, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
GMC Sierra, Yukon
Nissan Titan

Brazil

Note: the flexible fuel engines in Brazil are built to run on gasoline (which is always mixed with 20% to 25% of ethanol in Brazil), hydrated ethyl alcohol (96% ethanol, 4% water), or any mix of those fuels.
That would make them "E96-like" cars. See Flexible-fuel
vehicles for more information.
Peugeot 206
Volkswagen Gol City, Fox, Kombi
Fiat Palio, Mille, Siena
Chevrolet Astra, Zafira, Corsa, Meriva, Montana
Ford Fiesta
Renault Clio, Scénic
Citroën C3

For most FFV manufacturers, high-volume production began in the late 1990s. By the end of the 2002 model year, the nation’s FFV population was estimated to be in excess of 2 million. As many as 750,000 new FFVs may be manufactured annually. Check the owner’s manual to see if E85 fueling is available as an option in your car or truck. E85 compatibility sometimes is indicated by a sticker inside the fuel cover or a logo elsewhere on the vehicle. It may be possible to determine if your car is an FFV by checking its Vehicle Identification Number. For guidelines, consult the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition at www.e85fuel.com. Each year, the Clean Cities Program posts a list of alternative fuel vehicles including FFVs. Visit www.afdc.doe.gov/afvehicles.html and click on the current model year.

FFVs from Ford Motor Company include the Taurus, Ranger, and Explorer. General Motors has offered several full-size trucks with E85 compatibility including the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe. Daimler-Chrysler expanded its FFV line-up in 2003, offering not only its popular minivans such as the Dodge Caravan, but also the Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible. If you’re considering a purchasing a new car, be sure to ask the dealer if the vehicle is an FFV (e85 compaitlble).

Consult your local dealer or your preferred automotive technician before putting any alternative fuel in your vehicle.