FFVs have the flexibility to run on more than one type of fuel.

TECHNOLOGY
FFVs like traditional gasoline powered vehicles have a single fuel tank, fuel system and engine. They can be fueled with unleaded gasoline, E85 (ethanol), or any combination of the two and are equipped with modified components to be compatible with ethanol. FFVs are designed to run on a minimum of 15% gasoline for cold weather starts.1

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
E85 leads to lower greenhouse gas emission in FFVs than traditional gasoline powered vehicles, but it comparatively releases more acetaldehyde, a toxic pollutant. Many negative impacts are associated with ethanol production. For more information see the ethanol page in the renewable energy section

BENEFITS
FFVs generally handle and perform just as well as gasoline powered vehicles. FFVs may also be eligible for a federal tax credit. Ethanol usage decreases our dependence on foreign oil sources and fossil fuel. Exsisting gasoline powered vehicles have the potential to be converted to FFVs, but at a high cost.

DISADVANTAGES
E85 fuel economy is less than gasoline. Initial investment is more costly, however E85 prices are typically less than gasoline, depending on market conditions. E85 also has limited retail availability. Like many other new technologies, there is a lack of technicians trained to work on FFVs.

VALLEY ACCESS POTENTIAL
FFVs are available in a wide range of models such as sedans, pickups, and minivans from a number of manufacturers with dealerships in the Valley. There are a limited amount of retailers offering E85 in the Valley, mostly in the Sacramento area with 1 retailer in Tulare.2

For more information on FFVs visit the U.S. Dept. of Energy at
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/flexible_fuel.html

1 DOE EERE http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/pdfs/42953.pdf (last accessed April 23, 2009)
2 National Ethanol Vehicle Coaltion http://www.e85refueling.com/locations.php?resultpage=1&state=CACalifornia