Flexible-fuel vehicle
From Freepedia
A flexible-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle is an automobile or truck (lorry) that can typically alternate between two sources of fuel. A common example is a vehicle that can accept gasoline mixed with varying levels of ethanol (gasohol). Some cars carry a natural gas tank and one can switch from gasoline to gas.
Flexible-fuel vehicles in the United States
North American vehicles from approximately 1980 onward can run on 10% ethanol/90% gasoline (e.g., E10) with no modifications. Prior to 1980, many cars imported into the United States contained rubber, aluminium, and other materials that were generally non-compatible with any ethanol in their fuel delivery systems, and these cars experienced problems when E10 was first introduced. American made cars from the late 1970's onward can run on E10 with no modifications. E10 fuel is widely available. Going beyond 10% ethanol generally requires special engineering.
In the United States, many flexible-fuel vehicles can accept up to 85% ethanol (E85). The fuel mixture is automatically detected by one or more sensors, and once detected, the ECU tunes the timing of spark plugs and fuel injectors so that the fuel will burn cleanly in the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Originally, sensors in both the fuel-line and in the exhaust system were used for flexible fuel vehicles. In recent years, manufacturers have instead opted to use only sensors in the exhaust manifold, before the catalytic converter, and to eliminate the fuel inline sensor. As E85 is more corrosive, special fuel lines are also required. Some manufacturers also required a different motor oil be used, but even this requirement is now dropped for all but one manufacturer.
In 1998, General Motors Corporation introduced their first light truck (an S10, with 2.2L engine) in a flexible-fuel configuration. In 1999, Ford Motor Company introduced a flexible-fuel option on its Ford Ranger pickup trucks, and it has also been an option on the company's Taurus model. Other manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler/Dodge (namely certain models of Caravan) also are E85/Flexible fuel vehicles. Flexible fuel vehicles are often identifed as such on the driver's side door, on the inside of the fuel fill access door, and by the VIN number.
As of 2005, most existing vehicles that are available to the public with flex-fuel engines are sport-utility vehicles or others in the "light truck" class. Sedans, wagons, and others are usually only available in flexible-fuel configurations as part of fleet vehicle purchases by companies. Starting in 2006, though, more widespread availability is planned for standard models intended for non-fleet sales.
Over 4 million flexible-fuel vehicles are currently operated on the road in America.
Flexible fuel vehicles as identifed by the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
Flexible-fuel vehicles in Brazil
Since the oil crisis, Brazil has been selling ethanol as a fuel. Car manufacturers modified gasoline engines and sold them as another engine option. However, flexible fuel tecnology has been investigated since the 90s.
In May 2003 Volkswagen built for the first time a production flexible fuel car, the Gol 1.6 Total Flex. Chevrolet followed two months later with the Corsa 1.8 Flexpower.
As of 2005, popular manufacturers that build thier cars in Brazil make flexible fuel engines: Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Renault and Volkswagen. About half of the new cars have flexible fuel engines, and the rate will be over 90% in two years.
