Do you know what the definition of a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) is? Flexible fuel vehicles are those sold by car manufacturers that have the ability to operate on gasoline (fossil-fuel), E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) and even a mixture of both. There are millions of flexible fuel vehicles operating around the world. Believe it or not, the majority of FFV owners don’t even know that their vehicle is capable of using these alternative fuel options.

In the United States, Flexible Fuel Vehicles qualify for tax credits as an alternative fuel vehicle (AFVs) under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. They also help reduce carbon emissions and save you a little bit of money on fuel costs. It is very interesting that not a lot of FFV owners are aware of their vehicles versatility as far as the use of alternative fuel is concerned. These vehicles share similar performance of conventional gasoline vehicles such as power, acceleration, payload and even cruising speed. In fact, the performance is the same whether you’re running on ethanol or gasoline. FFV owners however, get less fuel economy when running on ethanol.

These alternative fuel vehicles contain one fueling system which is made of ethanol compatible components. They are adapted to burn the higher oxygen content of E85. However, E85 should only be used in ethanol capable Flexible Fuel vehicles.

Flexible Fuel Vehicle History

Did you know that the first FFV was Ford’s Model T? But the cheap cost of gasoline made this technology dormant until the oil crisis in 1973. This event created a revitalized approach to the use of ethanol, alternative fuels, methanol and other alternative fuel technologies. Natural gas, ethanol and methanol became the main focus of research and development around the world.

As scientists started to understand the negative impact of fossil-fuels on the environment, governments around the world realized that flexible fuel technology could help to improve air quality. Now, with the cost of gasoline hovering around $4.00 a gallon, flexible fuels provide the ability for the average Joe to save money on fuel and help save the environment.

The state of California, with it’s serious smog problems and environment friendly attitudes has led the way in search of alternative fuels all the back to early 1980s. Auto manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company responded to California’s request for vehicles that run on the alternative fuel methanol.

FFV’s Big Challenge

The biggest challenge facing the development of Flexible Fuel Vehicles use of bioalcohols (like methanol) is getting all the internal components compatible with the gasoline engine. The technology of ethanol vehicles in Brazil was easily transferable to methanol. Since early 2000, the U.S. auto industry has focused on the use of ethanol and not methanol, due in part to support by the farming community and government incentives.

By:

About the Author:

Alternative Fuels