Flex-Fuel Vehicles
![Flex-fuel truck](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/X07CT_AV011_350.jpg)
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). Except for a few engine and fuel system modifications, they are identical to gasoline-only models. FFVs experience no loss in performance when operating on E85. However, since ethanol contains less energy per volume than gasoline, FFVs typically get about 25-30% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85.1
FFVs have been produced since the 1980s, and dozens of models are currently available. Since FFVs look just like gasoline-only models, you may be driving an FFV and not even know it.
Do You Have a Flex-Fuel Vehicle?
Look for the Yellow Gas Cap
Most manufacturers started putting yellow gas caps on FFVs as of model year 2008 (2006 for General Motors).
![Yellow flex-fuel gas cap](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/sGM_FlexFuel_Gas_Cap.jpg)
Check the Fuel Door
Some FFVs have labels on the fuel door indicating fuel type.
![Flex-fuel label on fuel door](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/sFuel_Door2.jpg)
Look for Badges on Your Vehicle's Body
![Flex-fuel badge](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/sFlexFuel_Badge4.jpg)
![Flex-fuel badge](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/sFord_Flex-Fuel_Badge2.jpg)
![Flex-fuel badge](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120927230701im_/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/E85/sGM_FlexFuel_Badge.jpg)
Check Your Owners Manual
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The following Web sites provide information on identifying flex-fuel vehicles using the VIN and other methods:
More Information
Fuel Economy Information for Flexible Fueled Vehicles
Stations that Sell E85 (Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center [AFDC])
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Cost Calculator (compare costs for operating your vehicle on gasoline and E85)
MotorWeek Videos
MotorWeek segments provided by Maryland Public Television
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Dodge Avenger FFV
Windows Media Video (10.6 MB)