What are flex fuel cars?

Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are cars designed to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol fuel. Unlike vehicles that run solely on gasoline or E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), FFVs can use a wide range of fuel blends, from 100% gasoline to E85. The car's computer system automatically adjusts the engine's operation to accommodate the varying fuel composition.

Here are some key features of flex-fuel cars:

* Fuel Flexibility: This is the defining characteristic. They can operate efficiently on various blends of gasoline and ethanol.

* Engine Modifications: They have modified fuel systems and sensors compared to gasoline-only vehicles to handle the different properties of ethanol. This includes materials resistant to ethanol corrosion.

* Fuel Tank: Usually have a special fuel tank and filler neck to accommodate ethanol.

* Fuel Gauge and Indicator: Often include a fuel gauge that indicates the type of fuel being used or the fuel blend percentage.

* Slightly Reduced Fuel Economy (Sometimes): While efficiency varies depending on the ethanol blend, some FFVs might see slightly lower fuel economy compared to running solely on gasoline.

It's important to note that while FFVs offer fuel flexibility, the availability of E85 is geographically limited. You won't find E85 fueling stations everywhere, and the price can fluctuate. Drivers need to check the availability of E85 in their area before purchasing an FFV.