As humanity’s need for renewable energy sources increases, businesses and consumers are paying more attention to alternative fuel vehicles. This trend has brought flex fuel cars into the conversation, giving the versatile vehicles the shot at mass adoption they deserve.
But what separates flex fuel from other renewable energy sources, and why should people care? Mass adoption of flex fuel cars may be a long shot from where the automotive industry stands now, but the potential benefits of transitioning are certainly enough to take note.
What is flexible fuel?
Flexible fuel, or E85, is a blend of gasoline and 51% to 83% ethanol made from corn and other plant matter. The plant mixture undergoes biomechanical fermentation, which converts it into alcohol that flex fuel cars use for power. The mixture generates significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional fossil fuels, making it a desirable alternative to petroleum-based solutions.
How do flex fuel cars operate?
Flex fuel cars, or FFVs, can operate on various fuels, be it traditional gasoline, E85, or some other blend of flexible fuel sources. While that may seem high-tech, flex fuel is far from a new concept. The Ford Model T, known to many as the first mass-produced, widely available automobile, was a flex fuel car. It featured a carburetor with adjustable jetting, which allowed it to use ethanol, gasoline, kerosene, or a blend of fuel types. After the Model T’s debut, the price of oil declined, and U.S. Prohibition laws’ cooling effect on alcohol production made ethanol a less practical fuel source for a mass-produced car.
Yet prohibition ended, and oil prices continued to fluctuate, making flex fuel cars gain and lose prominence throughout the 20th century. Today, hundreds of FFV models are available for commercial and consumer use. Flex fuel even powers the supercars of the IndyCar Series, which switched to 100% E85 in 2023.
Despite being ethanol fueled cars, the engines are functionally similar to standard, gas-burning vehicles. Thanks to their similarities, flex fuel cars can also run on standard gasoline.
Flex fuel cars pros and cons
In terms of eco-friendliness, flex fuel has one significant advantage over other forms of renewable transportation: Corn. Corn has a built-in tendency to absorb greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide from the air. And it absorbs a lot. According to an article by Michigan State University, a single acre of corn can offset 36,000 lbs of C02 in the atmosphere.
Increasing our use of E85 means we plant more corn, which absorbs more C02. As fossil fuel usage climbs, the need for these kinds of changes becomes more urgent.
The main downside of flex fuel is that it’s about 20% less efficient than traditional gasoline. And while it is typically less expensive, the additional time spent refilling the tank may turn off potential buyers. That’s especially true for fuel-heavy industries like shipping and logistics, where an extra stop to fuel up before reaching their destination could add up to significant delays.
That drawback poses two critical questions: Is owning ethanol powered cars worth it, and will they ever achieve mass adoption?
Are flex fuel cars viable to own?
The short answer is yes, but the detailed explanation is more complicated. Ethanol fueling stations are primarily located in metropolitan areas, which makes them harder to find than EV charging points, yet more widely available than hydrogen fueling stations. That’s not a hard limitation on the range of flex fuel cars, since they can also run on gasoline. But if you need to burn gasoline as much as you do flex fuel, the value of owning a flex fuel vehicle drops.
From the perspective of a typical driver, FFVs aren’t significantly cheaper or more expensive than their petroleum counterparts, but they must be refueled more frequently. The price per gallon of fuel is lower, but the operating cost per mile may be more expensive due to the less efficient engines. FFVs qualify for the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit, but you must be a tax-liable US citizen or business to get it. They are not eligible for the Canadian equivalent.
In terms of public perception, gasoline has the benefit of being a cultural norm. Meanwhile, EVs boast a high-tech feel and the option of charging at home. On the other hand, limited awareness of flex fuel options limit the infrastructural growth necessary to make the most of them. And lack of infrastructure and awareness leads to limited sales and investment—a vicious cycle.
On the whole, it seems fair to say that there are more reasons for a consumer to purchase an EV than a flex fuel vehicle now. However, that could change. Gasoline prices are rising, and questions around current EV battery production raise some valid ecological and humanitarian concerns. If those issues persist, flex fuel cars may become a more obvious candidate for our primary fuel source. As things stand right now, industry reports estimate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% in the FFV market through 2030.
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