By Aaron Lindstrom, Enterprise Fleet Management

The high cost of gasoline, concerns about our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and warnings about global warming are generating increased interest in alternative fuels such as E85. Compared to today’s gasoline/ethanol blends that have up to 10 percent ethanol, E85 is composed of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and just 15 percent petroleum.

E85 is designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which can switch easily from using regular gasoline to E85. Although miles achieved per gallon for E85 may be slightly below vehicles fueled with regular-unleaded gasoline, the price of ethanol blends has been considerably less expensive.

FFVs typically are offered as standard equipment, with little or no incremental cost. They are available in a wide range of models, from sedans and sport utility vehicles to pickup trucks and minivans. New models arrive yearly from manufacturers such as Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Nissan and Toyota.

According to the Energy Information Administration, there currently are more than six million light-duty FFVs in the United States and in 2009 nearly 50 FFV models are available.

But, despite growing popularity, many owners are not aware that their FFV can be fueled either with E85 and/or gasoline interchangeably. One reason for the confusion may be that FFVs are designed with only one fueling system. Owners can find out whether a vehicle is included by checking their owner’s manual, checking the fuel filler door, or viewing a list of current model year FFVs, available from the National

Ethanol Vehicle Coalition at www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php.

In many ways ethanol is an ideal transportation fuel. In addition to its positive environmental qualities, it is domestically produced and its use supports farmers and rural economies. Currently, 10 percent ethanol is added to approximately one-third of all the gasoline used in the United States. Adding ethanol to gasoline not only fulfills oxygenate requirements for federal clean air programs, it also increases octane and extends the petroleum fuel supply.

Considering FFVs for a Company Fleet

For businesses considering how FFVs fit into a fleet management program, cost is always a concern. Generally, manufacturers offer FFVs at the same prices as comparable gasoline vehicles. The U.S. Department of Energy also offers an online tool that calculates cost by type of vehicle and state based on availability of fueling locations. The calculator, which is easy to use, is available at www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/progs/cost_anal.php?0/E85/.

In addition to costs, other considerations include the following:

• Tax Credits and Incentives. FFVs may qualify for tax credits or incentives in accordance with requirements for alternative fuel vehicle mandated fleets under the Energy Policy Act of 1992, which specifies that a vehicle must be capable of using fuel blends up to 85% ethanol.

• Flexible Fueling Options: The FFV system allows the driver to use any combination of gasoline or ethanol – from 100 percent unleaded gasoline to 85 percent ethanol. This means a driver can use unleaded gasoline if ethanol is not available. Because tax credits are available to stations for the costs of retrofitting pumps and tanks, the number of stations offering E85 continues to increase.

• Educate Drivers: While FFVs may use either regular gasoline or

E85, gasoline only vehicles should not use E85. Using E85 in gasoline-only vehicles may cause damage because of the incompatibility of the alcohol fuel with the parts in gasoline-only engines. Performance and emissions also will be compromised.

• Maintenance and Repairs. Preliminary studies indicate that maintenance costs may actually be reduced for FFVs because of the way E85’s cleaner exhaust emission impacts the engine’s operation/performance.

In addition to ethanol, alternative fuels include natural gas, propane, hydrogen, pure biodiesel, electricity, methanol and p-series fuels. Based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, using any of these alternative fuels in vehicles can generally reduce harmful pollutants and exhaust emissions, and most of these fuels can be domestically produced and derived from renewable sources. For more information, visit www.eere.energy.gov or http://www.e85fuel.com.