Vehicles with the ability to run on flexible fuel started becoming popular in the 1990s, and manufacturers in turn began producing cars that can use the biofuel. But many motorists do not know much about ethanol-blended gasoline labeled E85 at gas pumps.
In fact, even some owners of flex-fuel vehicles, or FFVs, have questions about gasoline-ethanol blends. Read on to learn about flex-fuel and whether you can use E85 or other blended gas in your vehicle.
What is Flex-Fuel?
Flexible fuel is the general term for a renewable and domestically produced alternative fuel that is gasoline blended with ethanol. Ethanol gets made from a collection of plant materials, including corn. Most of the gasoline sold in the United States contains some ethanol. But E85 for FFVs uses a higher percentage of ethanol.
E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing between 51% to 85% ethanol, depending on the season and geographic region of the distributor. For example, E85 sold during colder months often contains lower levels of ethanol to produce the vapor pressure necessary for starting in cold temperatures.
RELATED: Types of Gasoline Explained: Learn the Differences
Can My Car Use Flex-Fuel?
Manufacturers make flex-fuel vehicles with modified internal combustion engines that use traditional gasoline and ethanol blends, such as E85. A badge with “Flex-Fuel,” “FFV,” or “E85” on the rear of the vehicle may show that it is compatible with the alternative fuel.
Having a yellow gas cap is a good indication that the car can use flex-fuel. If the vehicle has a capless fuel filler, a yellow ring around the hole where the nozzle is inserted indicates that E85 may be used.
Using any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle is acceptable. The sensors in an FFV detect whether the fuel is pure gasoline or 85% ethanol and make necessary changes for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion.
Putting E85 in a car not designed for flexible fuel can be harmful. Always refer to the owner’s manual for specifications on fuel to use in your vehicle.
Why Would I Use Flex-fuel?
Proponents of higher ethanol-gasoline blends cite lower greenhouse gas emissions because it burns cleaner than pure gasoline, and its use enables less reliance on foreign oil. The main ingredient in ethanol is corn, a sustainable crop grown in the U.S.
Flex-fuel offers a lower cost per gallon compared to gasoline prices. At the time of this writing, the AAA national average gas price for a gallon of E85 is $2.65, or 51 cents less than regular unleaded gas.
Flex-Fuel Disadvantages
While the price per gallon of E85 is typically less than regular gas, FFVs using the ethanol-gasoline blend have lower fuel economy ratings. In some cases, the difference in mileage is close to 25%.
For example, a 2021 Ford F150 Pickup 2WD FFV with a 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine earns 21 combined mpg when using gasoline, but only 16 combined mpg when using E85. Often, the lower price per gallon for E85 offsets the mileage loss.
Availability of E85 and FFVs
E85 flex-fuel is sold at close to 4,000 gas stations across the U.S., mostly in eastern states and in the Midwest, where corn is grown. Vehicles compatible with the fuel may be found nationwide because those automobiles can also use traditional gasoline.
It’s unclear how many flex-fuel vehicles exist on the road today. According to the research and information firm IHS Markit, there were at least 21 million FFVs in the U.S. in 2017.
The number of new FFV offerings from manufacturers has decreased. The reason: Federal incentives for automakers shifted to those building electric vehicles.
Only two automakers — Ford and General Motors — offer FFVs in model year 2021. Just 11 models will be available as FFVs in 2021, with five of those models available only to fleet purchasers. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, that’s down from more than 80 different models from eight manufacturers being available to consumers as recently as model year 2015.
RELATED: How Do Electric Car Tax Credits Work?
Other Ethanol Blends
E10
About 98% of the gasoline sold in the U.S. contains ethanol, typically E10 with 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.
E15
The EPA has approved another blend, E15, in all light-duty vehicles since model year 2001. Manufacturers responsible for nearly 95% of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales approve the use of E15 in their model year 2021 automobiles, according to a review of owner’s manuals by the trade group RFA.
E25
The RFA’s annual review indicates that E25 blends, containing up to 25% ethanol, are approved by the manufacturer for use in BMW and Mini vehicles.
E98
E98, which is 98% ethanol, is a popular fuel for some types of race cars.
If you’re trying to find the car that’s right for you, check out our best cars and top 10 lists.
Read Related Articles:
"fuel" - Google News
July 16, 2021 at 02:35AM
https://ift.tt/3epdVN1
Flex-Fuel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About E85 - Kelley Blue Book
"fuel" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2WjmVcZ
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Flex-Fuel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About E85 - Kelley Blue Book"
Post a Comment