Is flex-fuel worth it?

With new technologies developing for drivers each year, there’s still some confusion about what is worth it and what is only a gimmick. One trend in the last few years is new “Flex Fuel” systems in new vehicles.

Some say convenience, some say environmentally friendly… but what is really the benefit? Is it worth getting a Flex Fuel system?

In short – probably not. From our experience with vehicle performance, flex fuel systems are not notably better than traditional gasoline powered vehicles.

The E85 debate is full of pros and cons. Here are two common themes in the arguments:

Ethanol is better for the environment.E85 burns cleaner than gasoline, meaning it might reduce air pollution. However, studies suggest these vehicles only achieve up to 3% reduction of emissions.
Ethanol is generally produced from renewable corn crops grown on American farms. Some believe this makes E85 an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline and oil reserves. However, there are also environmental concerns about the production of ethanol.

Flex Fuel vehicles perform better.A common misconception about E85 vehicles is that they get better gas mileage – this is not true. Flex fuel vehicles typically get about 15-30% fewer miles per gallon when running on E85 as compared to traditional gasoline.

​Performance of flex fuel vehicles vs. traditional gasoline powered vehicles is virtually the same – in road tests, experts could not detect any notable difference in engine performance, smoothness, or sound.

If you’re thinking about a flex fuel vehicle, consider the factors above and read more about How E85 Ethanol Flex Fuel Works to determine if a flex fuel vehicle is right for your family. Weigh the pros and cons, do the research, call our experts for more advice, and make the decision that is best for your family and your values.

For more information about E85 and Flex Fuel vehicles or going green with your vehicle, contact our experts at 215-669-8383.