The Case for “Future-Proof” Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)
Over the next few years you’ll see a change at your local gas stations as more alcohol-blended fuel pumps are installed across the nation. Alcohol-blended fuels like E85 are already available in some areas, and more are coming to market as more FFVs are sold in the United States.
US based manufacturers have committed to making 50% of their new autos FFVs by 2010 and and 85% by 2012. In addition, there is proposed legislation called the Open Fuel Standard Act which will mandate all cars sold in America meet the same goals, so this will mean that all imports sold in the US will meet the same FFV standard. (You can help support this legislation here.)
Since FFV is an widely available and mature technology (there are already millions of FFVs on the road in the US - you may be driving one), adding the capability to all new vehicles sold in the US doesn’t add notably to the cost of making new cars (usually about $100) - and provides a way for auto manufactures to “green-up” their product lines.
Drivers of FFVs will be able to choose what fuel to buy, based on price at the pump, performance needs, personal preference, etc. - just like shopping for any other commodity. You’ll be able to mix E85 with E10 (the current flavor of gasoline almost everywhere in the US) and newer alternative blends like E25 or M50. Using FFV technology, your car will automatically adjust your engines settings to run properly on any combination of gasoline and alcohol fuels.
Unlike more exotic alternative fuels like compressed hydrogen or natural gas, drivers of FFVs are not stuck on a virtual “energy island” of specialized refueling stations. You will be able to travel freely, just like today, as far and wide as you like - choosing your favorite blend of alcohol fuels as you go - or using straight gasoline where no other choice exists.
So if your next car has an engine that burns liquid fuel, makes sure it is “future proof” and check that it’s a Flex-Fuel Vehicle before you buy it, or else you’ll be left without options at the pump when the alcohol-blended fuels hit the wider market.
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5 Responses to “The Case for “Future-Proof” Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)”
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Are you telling me that I may have a flex fuel vehicle and not even know it?? That is crazy, I would think that it would be a big selling point! Maybe even a way to get me to pay more!!
I think it’s great that you can choose any flex fuel you want, I guess it basically keeps us where we are currently, with different grades…but this generation of fuel will become less dependent on other coutries for our supply (HOPEFULLY!!)
Samantha - It’s true - some manufacturers were not marking FFVs with the “FLEXFUEL” badge until recently (a new law made them add badges where appropriate).
You can check if you are driving a flex fuel car online at this website:
http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php
BTW - There are over 6 million FFVs on the road in the US right now.
Why didn’t I know about this before?