Understanding the pros and cons of Flex Fuel vehicles is essential before buying a new or used car, truck or SUV that features Flexible Fuel technology. Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can be fueled with a standard gasoline, ethanol fuel (E85) or any combination of the two, but they may not be the most suitable vehicle for all drivers. As with all car technology, there are pros and cons to FFVs that vary by region, availability of fuel, driving style and long-term plans for owning the vehicle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Many buyers think that if they purchase a Flex Fuel vehicle, they will save money on fuel or have improved performance. Still others think they should always fill up with E85 after they purchase an FFV. Both of these assumptions are not strictly correct. One of the key benefits of Flex Fuel is its flexibility. In most areas the blend of fuel either gasoline (100% or 85%) or ethanol (85% or 100%) is available but drivers can make no mechanical changes to the vehicle.
If you’re thinking about buying a used pickup, SUV or passenger car with Flex Fuel, it’s important to know the pros and cons will help you decide. In this guide, we’ll cover the top pros, typical cons, maintenance expenses, eco-impact, and whether or not you should or should not have a Flex Fuel vehicle.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Flex Fuel Vehicles
The appeal of Flexible Fuel Vehicles is still strong as they offer flexibility that other gasoline vehicles can’t compete with.
1. Greater Fuel Flexibility
The greatest benefit of an FFV is freedom of choice!
FFVs differ from regular gas-powered vehicles in that they are capable of using:
- Regular unleaded gasoline
- E10
- E15 (where approved)
- E85
- Any mixture of gas and ethanol
There is no requirement that drivers use a specific fuel type. Regular gasoline will do if E85 is not available. If E85 is priced better, it makes sense for drivers to do so.
This is particularly useful for those who frequently have to travel to different parts of the country where fuel supply changes.
2. Supports Renewable Energy
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline that has a much higher ethanol content.
In the U.S., the vast majority of ethanol is made from renewable agricultural resources like corn.
Using renewable fuels can help:
- Reduce petroleum consumption
- Support domestic agriculture
- Diversify transportation fuels
- Promote the use of renewable energy.
Many consumers make the choice of Flex Fuel because they want to help promote fuel production, and just drive their same gasoline-powered vehicle.
3. Higher Octane Fuel
Typically, E85 has a higher octane than regular gasoline.
The higher the octane rating the greater ability to resist knocking and could be useful to engines specifically designed or tuned to benefit from the higher rating.
Most factory Flex Fuel Vehicles will adjust the settings on the engine to make up for different fuel blends, but some engines may benefit from slight performance enhancements when using higher levels of ethanol.
Gain in performance depends on the type of the vehicle.
4. No Special Driving Experience Required
One of the greatest advantages of Flex Fuel technology is that drivers do not need to change the way that they drive.
The engine management system automatically adjusts to the ethanol content:
- Fuel injection
- Ignition timing
- Air-to-fuel ratio
For the driver, E85 looks and smells just like regular gas, and tastes just like it, too.
No buttons to press, special maintenance procedures or settings to change.
5. Potential Fuel Cost Savings
For some drivers, the total fuel costs are lower when E85 is cheaper than gasoline.
The savings will depend on:
- Local fuel prices
- Vehicle fuel economy
- Driving conditions
- Availability of E85
Rather than just comparing the fuel cost per gallon, the more experienced owners of FFVs compare the cost per mile.
Disadvantages of Flex Fuel Vehicles
While the Flex Fuel technology provides some benefits, there are some considerations for the buyer.
1. Lower Fuel Economy
The main disadvantage of E85 is that it requires less gas mileage than traditional gasoline fuel.
Ethanol has less energy that gasoline which means that more fuel is needed to cover the same distance.
Many drivers will experience about:
• 15–30% lower MPG
When running on E85.
While E85 may be cheaper at the pump, it can be less economical when the amount of gasoline used is greater, which may serve to offset much of the savings.
2. Limited E85 Availability
Gasoline can be found nearly anywhere, but E85 stations are scarce in certain areas of the United States.
It is becoming more available, but in rural areas or smaller communities there may be relatively few stations that have E85 fueling.
Luckily, when needed, FFVs are able to switch to standard gasoline.
3. Environmental Benefits Vary
Ethanol is a renewable fuel, but there are many factors that influence the overall environmental impact of ethanol, such as:
- Crop production
- Fertilizer use
- Transportation
- Fuel processing
- Distribution
All these fuels are now evaluated by modern studies of environmental impact, not just as emissions from the tail pipe.
Hence, environmental benefits of Flex Fuel are still a subject of research and discussion.
4. Reduced Driving Range
Drivers tend to drive less when fueling with E85 because of the loss of fuel economy.
This can be seen when:
- Long road trips
- Rural travel
- Commercial fleet operations
Some motorists who are concerned about their “best mileage” stick with regular gasoline and still drive long distances.
5. Fuel Savings Are Not Guaranteed
There is a common misconception that customers think that reduced fuel costs will equal reduced running costs.
In fact, the lower energy density of E85 makes energy savings vary according to the price difference between E85 and gasoline.
In some weeks, it may be more cost-effective to use E85.
In other weeks, the price per mile of regular gasoline is even cheaper.
It’s important to know what fuel is costing in the area before assuming that you are planning to save money for the long-term.
Who Should Buy a Flex Fuel Vehicle?
For some people, Flex Fuel Vehicles are a great choice.
They can be used for specific purposes such as:
- People residing within a mile of several E85 stations
- Fleet operators
- Pickup truck owners
- Commercial users
- Renewable Fuels: Drivers supporting renewable fuels
Those who prefer the choice of self-service at the gas station.Those who are looking for flexibility at the pump.
Many customers like more fueling choices without compromising on their regular gasoline usage.
Who May Be Better Off with a Conventional Gasoline Vehicle?
If you:An FFV is not necessarily going to be very beneficial:
- Only occasionally drive on E85 roads
- Get the most fuel efficiency possible
- Take long trips on the highway (regularly)
- Purchase gas stations that allow E85 to be purchased at the same price as gasoline
Under such circumstances, the Flex Fuel option may just be a timesaver rather than a big advantage to owning the vehicle.
Flex Fuel Ownership Tips
If you are the owner or intend to buy an FFV, here are some sensible tips:
- Compare fuel costs based on the cost per mile, not dollars per gallon.
- Don’t presume that ethanol fuel will be available at the local E85 station.
- Regularly clean and maintain according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
- Only use approved fuel mixes.
- Maintain a properly functioning fuel system.
- Know how to use the correct fuel blend for the season.
These are small things that can help maximize performance and operating costs.
Learn More About Flex Fuel
If you’re new to Flexible Fuel technology, our guide What Is Flex Fuel? Complete Guide to Flexible Fuel Vehicles explains how Flex Fuel systems work, how engines automatically adjust to ethanol blends, and what drivers should know before owning an FFV.
If you’re deciding which fuel to use, our article Flex Fuel vs. Regular Gasoline: What’s the Difference? compares fuel economy, performance, pricing, emissions, and everyday driving differences between E85 and conventional gasoline.
Together, these articles provide a complete understanding of Flex Fuel ownership and fuel selection.
Trusted Resources
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) publishes research and educational information about renewable transportation fuels, ethanol, and advanced vehicle technologies.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides reliable data on fuel production, energy markets, and alternative transportation fuels used across the United States.
Consulting trusted government and research organizations helps consumers make informed decisions about Flex Fuel technology.
Conclusion
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of Flex Fuel vehicles should assist buyers in making informed choices on purchasing a vehicle based on their specific driving requirements, not hype. Flexible Fuel Vehicles offer the most flexible fueling options, help promote renewable fuels and let drivers of FFVs select to use gasoline or ethanol blends when it makes sense.
But there are also drawbacks, such as reduced fuel efficiency running on E85 and the fact that some areas do not have much E85 fuel supply. Drivers with convenient access to E85 who like to mix and match fuels might find an FFV to be a great value. To others it might just be a convenience, not a big monetary gain.
In the end, the answer to this question relies on the fuel market in your area, your driving habits and your priorities. If you know what has been done right and what has been done wrong with Flex Fuel technology, you’ll be better informed when deciding if an FFV is the right car for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flex Fuel vehicles worth buying?
They can be an excellent choice for drivers who have convenient access to E85 stations and value fuel flexibility. For others, the benefits depend largely on local fuel prices and driving habits.
Does E85 damage Flex Fuel engines?
No. Flexible Fuel Vehicles are specifically designed to operate safely on E85, gasoline, or any approved blend between the two.
Why does E85 reduce fuel economy?
Ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, so engines must burn more fuel to produce the same amount of power.
Can I always use regular gasoline?
Yes. Flex Fuel Vehicles can operate on regular gasoline without any modifications or manual adjustments.
Is Flex Fuel better for the environment?
Flex Fuel supports renewable fuel use and can reduce petroleum consumption, but its overall environmental impact depends on the complete fuel production and distribution lifecycle.
