Flexible fuel vehicles, more popularly known as flex fuel vehicles or FFV, are vehicles that are designed and engineered to run on both regular gasoline and ethanol-blended gasoline. At the moment, E10 or 10% ethanol-blended gasoline is being sold in the Philippines. This can run on almost all types of vehicles, particularly with models 1997 and above. A flex fuel vehicle is different from other vehicles because its car engine can run even on E85 or 85% ethanol-blended fuel.

The engine of a flex fuel vehicle is almost the same as those that run on regular gasoline except for some modifications on the engine and fuel system. On the outside, a flex fuel vehicle looks exactly the same as other vehicles that can run on regular gasoline only. This is one of the reasons why some people may already have a flex fuel vehicle but they are still unaware of it.

The modifications in the engine and fuel system of a flex fuel vehicle are necessary for it to run on both regular gasoline and E85. Technically, the computer box in the car engine has been programmed to recognize that it can operate on both types of fuels. Since ethanol-blended gasoline has higher oxygen content, the other components of the fuels system such as the gas tank, fuel pump, injection plugs and fuel filters are also enhanced to make them more compatible to the ethanol content of flex fuels. One good reason why older car models are not compatible with ethanol-blended fuels is because their gas tanks are coated with lead that deteriorates when exposed to ethanol. Most of the fuel pumps available in the market are compatible with ethanol-blended gasoline but some brands or types may work better with regular gasoline. Also, spark plugs that are more compatible with ethanol fuel are installed in flex fuel vehicles since the high ethanol content of E85 may cause it to misfire.

The main advantage of a flex-fuel car is that it allows the owner to choose or shift from loading regular gasoline and E85. It also allows car owners to take advantage of the commendable properties of E85. For one, E85 burns cleaner which can lead to longer engine life. The combustion process in the engine is also smoother since the friction in the engine is reduced.

With regard to emission, the actual emission figures may vary depending on the engine design. The table below shows the potential reductions when using E85 as compared to regular gasoline:

The use of E85 fuel exhibit the same, if not more, acceleration, cruise speed, payload, and power in the engine.

Share this Article.

Related Articles

• In Defense of E10
• Really? Hydrous Ethanol Can Now be Used as Fuel?!
• Biomass: Key Benefits, Future Potential, and What It Can Offer
• Watermelon Rejects: The Next Source of Biofuel
• Indeed, How Green are Biofuels?