What is E85?
E85 is a fuel blend which is 85% ETHANOL and 15% unleaded fuel.

Where is E85 Used?
E85 is used in vehicles in The United States, Brazil and Sweden. Some vehicles are specifically designed to run on high ethanol blends. These vehicles are called flexible fuel vehicles. This vehicle system allows the driver to use any combination of unleaded fuel or Ethanol from 100% unleaded fuel to 85% Ethanol. A driver can therefore use unleaded fuel if E85 is not available.

Other vehicles that run on high ethanol blends are regular vehicles which are modified using flexible fuel management systems.

Which car manufactures make flexible fuel vehicles?
In The United States, motor companies such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda and Daimler Chrysler corporation (Mercedes Benz) offer E85 engines as standard equipment in a range of their vehicles with no additional cost incurred. In Brazil, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Fiat also offer flexible fuel vehicles. Peugeot and Saab are also involved in flexible fuel technology.

These vehicles have proved reliable and come with the same factory warranty as unleaded vehicles.

Can you purchase E85 and flexible fuel vehicles in Australia?
E85 is not currently available in Australia, however, E10 a 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded petrol blend is readily available. We are not able to purchase flexible fuel vehicles currently in Australia.

However with the correct government initiatives, Australia could follow the trends of countries such as the United States. This would then offer the consumer both a wider range of fuel choices, such as E85 and the vehicles to accommodate these fuels.

About the E85 Ford Falcon:
How has this Ford Falcon been modified?
This 2004 BA Series 6cyl Ford Falcon has been modified using a Flexible Fuel Management system. The conversion cost to purchase and install this system is around $260 which includes the system as well as replacement of original parts.
The system was purchased in Brazil from a company specialising in this equipment. As well as selling this system domestically this company also exports this system to the United States.

How does the converter system work?
The converter system allows the engine to utilise ethanol blends of up to 85%. The system transforms the car into a flexible fuel vehicle allowing it to run on 100% unleaded fuel to an 85% Ethanol blend. It changes the parameters of the engine management system to take advantage of the 100+ octane of the ethanol content.

This vehicle is currently under trial.

How many kilometres has this Ford Falcon travelled on E85?
The vehicle has travelled in excess of 5 000 kilometres on an E85 blend.

How has the car been performing?
The cars performance has been excellent.