Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are the cars that can use E85 fuel. These are specifically designed to run on gasoline, E85 (which is a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), or any mixture of the two. You can identify an FFV by checking for a yellow gas cap, badging on the vehicle that says "Flex-Fuel," "E85," or "FFV," or by consulting your owner's manual. It's crucial to never put E85 in a standard gasoline car, as it can cause significant damage to the fuel system.
The key component in an FFV is its ethanol-compatible fuel system, which includes corrosion-resistant materials and sensors that adjust the engine's timing and fuel injection based on the ethanol content detected. While E85 often costs less per gallon than regular gasoline, it contains less energy, which can result in a 15-30% reduction in miles per gallon (MPG). This means the cost savings are only realized if the price of E85 is sufficiently lower than gasoline to offset the lower fuel economy.
Many American-made vehicles from the past two decades have FFV options. The following table lists some popular models known to have Flex-Fuel variants.
| Manufacturer | Example Flex-Fuel (E85) Models | Typical Model Years |
|---|
| Ford | Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus | 2006-2019 |
| General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC) | Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Impala, GMC Sierra | 2000-Present |
| Stellantis (Dodge, Chrysler) | Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Sebring | 1998-2020 |
| Nissan | Nissan Titan, Nissan Armada | 2005-2015 |
| Toyota | Toyota Tundra | 2009-2020 |
To confirm if your specific vehicle is an FFV, the most reliable method is to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can use online VIN decoders or contact a dealership with your VIN to get a definitive answer. The decision to use E85 should be a simple calculation: if the price difference is large enough to overcome the lower MPG, it can save you money.
