What is a Flex Fuel Vehicle?
What is a flex fuel vehicle?
How do you know if you have a flex fuel vehicle? Commonly called FFV’s, these automobiles are engineered to run on an ethanol and gasoline blend. Your gas cap will be yellow and or have a label designating such, also your vehicle may have a flex fuel insignia on the rear (trunk) area. Look for the yellow pump handles at your local retailer when refueling.
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that increases our nation’s fuel supply and is made from a renewable resource we grow right here at home. Ethanol can dramatically decrease our nation’s dependence on imported oil through a crop commonly and easily grown in this country- corn. Ethanol use helps provide consumers with a real, thriving energy source.
Here is a great article on why many choose to use ethanol and how it’s production positively impacts our environment.
Here is an informative video about how farmers are feeding and fueling our country.
Why Ethanol Fuel?
Common blends chosen by drivers are E20, E30, all the way up to E85.E85 is a blend of 85% Ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
Photo courtesy of MrFuel.com
But what do these numbers mean for a FFV?
- Higher numbers mean increased horsepower and octane
- Lower price per gallon of fuel
- Reduces engine knocking and pinging
- Keeps engine clean by reducing buildup
- Prevents gas line from freezing in the winter
- Burns cleaner by reducing greenhouse gases by as much as 50%
With over 16 million FFV’s currently on the road today, chances are many drivers may not even be aware they own one. Let alone the benefits of using an ethanol blend. With styles ranging from sports utility vehicles to sedans, there are many options available on the market.
As a matter of fact, automakers are producing 50% of all new vehicles to be ethanol compatible.
Did you know that 98% of the gasoline supply in the United States already contains 10% ethanol?
Did you know that ethanol blend gasoline is typically priced 25-30% less than regular gasoline?
Did you know that ethanol is relatively non-toxic? It is completely biodegradable and poses very little threat to groundwater.
Where Can You Find Ethanol Fuel?
Currently there are roughly 3200 retail locations offering ethanol blends nationwide. Visit E85Price.com to download their free retail locator app and to track prices across the United States. Click HERE to find locations in Indiana.
Next month I will share the next installment in the ethanol education series Food vs Fuel. Please comment below with any questions, comments or notes. If I cannot answer your questions, I will forward it to someone who can.
This series is produced in partnership with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, but like everything I share on Basilmomma.com, all opinions are my own.
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