A vehicle labeled as a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), particularly within the Ford product line, is engineered to operate on gasoline, ethanol, or any mixture of the two fuels. This capability stems from modifications to the fuel system, including adaptations to fuel injectors, fuel lines, and the engine control unit (ECU). These modifications enable the engine to accurately detect the ethanol content in the fuel and adjust engine parameters accordingly to optimize performance and efficiency.
The advantage of a flexible fuel system lies in its adaptability to varying fuel availability and potentially lower fuel costs, depending on the price of ethanol compared to gasoline. Historically, FFVs were developed as a response to energy security concerns and as a means to promote the use of renewable fuels. The blending of ethanol into gasoline also contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions under certain conditions, making it a potentially environmentally conscious choice.
