Ethanol Cars

Ethanol cars are flexible fuel vehicles capable of using fuels ranging from 100 percent gasoline to E85, which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Currently, flexible fuel vehicles can only run on ethanol and gasoline, but they are flexible to different percentages of these two fuels.c

Ethanol was once more expensive than gasoline, yet with the rising gas prices it may become a popular alternative. 

Estimates show that a gallon of E85 is 20 to 60 cents cheaper than a gallon of gasoline. E85 also burns cleaner than gasoline and reduces dependence on foreign oil.c

Ethanol was first used as a fuel in 1908. Henry Ford's Model T ran on an ethanol-based fuel. The fuel did not catch on because it was more expensive than gasoline at the time and because the world did not have the same concerns about oil consumption that it has today.

A variety of E85 vehicles are currently available to U.S. consumers. While standard models may not be E85 ready, E85 capability is sometimes available as an option or with certain trim levels.c

These models include the following:

1. Avenger Heat

2. Impala LT

3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

4. Ford F-150

5. Chrysler Sebring

6. Dodge Charger SE

7. Dodge Challenger SE

8. Dodge Durango Crew

9. Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ

10. Ram 1500c