A new study released by the Renewable Fuels Association this week documents the economic and environmental benefits of the world’s first plug-in electric hybrid flex fuel vehicle (PHEFFV), concludes that it offers distinct advantages over fully electric vehicles.
Last year, RFA converted a 2022 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to a flex fuel vehicle capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of denatured ethanol up to 85 percent. After a 15-month study on the vehicle, RFA found some impressive results when using E85, including:
– Reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions that rival, or outperform, the GHG reductions achievable with many battery electric vehicles;
– Substantial reductions (when compared to gasoline-powered vehicles) in emissions of harmful tailpipe pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO);
– Lower cost of ownership and operation (purchase price, fuel cost per mile) than a similar BEV; and
– No meaningful loss in fuel economy, with the Escape experiencing just a 1.5 percent reduction in miles-per-gallon compared to the EPA estimated rate using E10.
According to the report, “Combining plug-in technology and flex fuel capability makes this vehicle the most adaptable and flexible in the world. It can be refueled with any fuel at any time, offering optimal convenience and affordability to the consumer. The PHEFFV overcomes many of the barriers to BEV adoption commonly cited by consumers, including limited driving range, high purchase price, reliability, and lack of refueling (recharging) infrastructure.”