The slate of 2001 flex fuel vehicles offers even more variety. GMC, DaimlerChrysler and Ford all produce vehicles that can run on E85 or gasoline when E85 is unavailable. Flexible fuel engines are standard equipment on certain makes and models of automobiles and light duty trucks produced by Ford Motor Company, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, and Mazda Motors. The ability of these vehicles to operate on both E85 and gasoline is provided at no additional cost to the consumer. These vehicles carry the same warranties as non-FFVs.
Ethanol has less energy content than gasoline.
This will vary based on temperature and driving conditions. The range of any particular vehicle is dependent on the size of the fuel tank and driving habits. Current Ford Taurus FFVs have an 18-gallon fuel tank and will normally travel 350 miles between refuelings. Using the Federal Blender's Tax Credit, the price of E-85 ethanol fuel is about the same or slightly less than the price of gasoline. Research continues to improve ethanol production efficiency, which should allow ethanol to remain cost competitive in the future.