Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs):

Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or E85.  E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. FFVs have been produced since 1998, and more and more manufacturers enter the market all of the time. You may own a FFV and not even know it.  To determine if your vehicle is an FFV, check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker, yellow gas cap, or consult your owner's manual. You can also look at our consumer brochure that has a flex-fuel identifier that lists all available makes and models by model year: click here to view.

There are currently more than 8 million FFVs on American roads that are designed and warranted to run on ethanol blends higher than 10%.  Automakers such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Isuzu, Mercedes, Mazda, and Nissan all offer various models equipped with flex-fuel technology.  As the production of FFVs continues to increase and the infrastructure investments are made in higher level ethanol blends, fuels like E20, E30 and E85 will gain a bigger share of the gasoline marketplace.

Where can I find it?

Looking for an E85 station? We have several tools that will help you find the closest station, no matter where you are in the country. 

Garmin or TomTom GPS Device:  Click here for simple instructions on how to download Points of Interests to either brand of GPS device for easy navigation.

Mobile Phone:  If you have internet on your phone, simply open your mobile browser and go to http://www.afdc.energy.gov/stations/m/  There you will select your alternative fuel, and enter your location. It will give you the local stations, help you with directions, provide you with hours of operation, and also provide you a simple click to call the station.  If you have a BlackBerry, you can even download an application that will take you right to this spot with one simple click.

Computer: Click here to access the same system on your computer with even more functions. 

The RFA is proud to provide station data to the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center to support these efforts and many others.

Are there state incentives for purchasing a Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFV)?

Yes, but there are just a few select states.  To review your state, click here.

Does an E85 vehicle obtain more or less miles per gallon?

Ethanol has less energy content than gasoline. However, E85 also has a much higher octane (typically in the 96-98 range) than gasoline. FFVs are not optimized for E85 and therefore experience a 15-20% drop in fuel economy.  The actual amount varies tremendously between vehicle models and drivers.

What happens if I fill my vehicle accidentally with E85?

No problems should occur from one mis-fuel, despite your vehicle not being designed for E85, unless your fuel tank was completely empty.  It is likely that your "check engine" light will illuminate, and it is recommended that you top off your tank with unleaded fuel as soon as space allows to dilute the ethanol concentration in your tank. Extended use of E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle could cause damage to the fuel system and other components of your vehicle.  Ultimately it is a driver's choice, but it is recommended that ONLY FFVs use E85 (or any other blend above 10% ethanol) and to state that we are not responsible for damages.

Can a legacy vehicle legally be converted to operate on E85?

The short answer is yes, but in reality, it is very complicated.  Nearly all vehicles that can operate on E85 were built by an OEM, like General Motors or Ford.  The complicated process of receiving EPA certification is difficult.  The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 have the EPA the authority to implement regulations that require the exhaust emissions from vehicles converted to run on alternative fuels be "as clean as the exhaust emissions of the original gasoline equipment." That makes the requirement for an individual wanting to convert a vehicle the same as that of an OEM, like Chrysler.  Perhaps more importantly, these individuals or companies are also required to warranty the exhaust emissions from these vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles.