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Ever thought corn would be a natural source for fueling your vehicle? Ethanol, another great source for AFVs, is an alcohol fuel made from corn. It is no surprise that many agricultural vehicles have been using ethanol for several years now. Ethanol has also been used to power many federal, state, and local government vehicles, as well as light-duty vehicles, buses, and trucks.
Vehicles fueled by ethanol actually use E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ford's interest in using ethanol as an alternative fuel goes back to the days of Henry Ford. Ford planned to use ethanol as the primary fuel for his Model T, however, the less expensive gasoline emerged as the dominant fuel. Vehicles designed to operate on E85 are called Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and can function on either conventional gasoline, ethanol, or a combination of the two within the same tank.
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Benefits of Ethanol Vehicles
- Ethanol vehicles are called Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) due to their ability to run on Ethanol (E85), gasoline or any combination of the two fuels. E85 is a blend of 85 percent denatured ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
- Today, Ethanol is produced mainly from corn, but can be made from virtually any starch feed stock such as sugar cane, wheat, or barley.
- Because Ethanol is produced from crops, it is a renewable fuel and reduces the United States' dependence on imported oil.
- The adaptable fuel is grown in popularity and there are approximately 100 refueling sites in North America, and a continually developing infrastructure.
- Ford FFVs automatically adjust for any mixture for a hassle-free and environmentally sound driving. Onboard sensors monitor the fuel mixture and the on-board computer adjusts spark timing and fuel flow to optimize performance.
- Flexible Fuel vehicles can be ordered and serviced through any North American Ford Dealership including those vehicles that meet California emission standards.
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