I want a vehicle that would be able to make the transition to fuels with more ethanol on them very easily. It should be small, and potentially a hybrid.
2006-07-13 13:50:17 · 10 answers · asked by Maya R 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Currantly there are no vehicles on the market that are both Hybrid and Flex-Fuel.
Ford unveiled a Flex-Fuel / Hybrid Escape this year at the Wash.D.C. Auto Show , however it is still in "research & development & not available for retail sale.
Flex-Fuel vehicles can use any combination of gasoline &/or ethanol up to 85% [ E85 ]
Ford started producing FFV's back in 1995
Chrysler started in 1998
General Motors in 2000
The E.P.A says that you will lose up to 20-30% mpg when using E85
My own personal experience with a 2005 Ford Explorer......I lost exactly ! mile per gallon with E85
I put 10 gallon of reg unleaded gas in ..ran it down to E....let the electronics calculate my mileage
Then I did the same with E85 ...in the same vehicle & I was careful not to change my driving style & habits
Therefore don't listen to all the so called 'experts ' that say the economics of Ethanol don't work
For more infomation about Ethanol and about Flex-Fuel Vehicles go to www.e85fuel.com
Or you can add a Yahoo! Alert [ the word 'ethanol' ] to your e-mail Google Alert same
Being in the automobile industry since 1983, I've done a great deal of research on alternative fuels, and the last 10 years much more 'hands-on' and actual usage and experience with E85
[of course living in the midwest , where most of the country's ethanol comes from & having access to any Fords , helps my research ]
Back to your original Question----There are about 5 million vehicles already on the road that are E85 capable. That means you can buy just about any size/type car, truck, suv --New or Used!!!!! The trick is determining which vehicles are FFV's since they aren't usually marked in any way.
That's why you need to go to www.e85fuel.com
Many currant owners don't even know that their vehicles are E85 capable or FFV's
Don't listen to all the Ethanol 'nay-sayers'
Oil Industry----or---Renewable Fuels ?
Sorry I haven't recomended an actual vehicle for you....but your choices are endless Hope I've given useful info though?
2006-07-13 21:06:54 · answer #1 · answered by Vicky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If hybrid and small is what you want, then your main choice is clear: The Toyota Prius. This little gas-sipper is soon going to be made so it can run entirely on electric mode for low-speed local jaunts, this could net you something like 80-100 miles per gallon.... I'd say not a bad investment. Though I'm not sure if these cars could run on ethanol, it's just as well. When the only source of ethanol fuel in the US is from corn, it's not really ethical to use it when so many people are hungry and starving in the world, and could use that corn for food. Once we start making ethanol from non-food renewable sources like field grass, than it's a good choice.
Also, the Honda Civic hybrid isn't bad, but Honda tends to use their hybrid powertrains to improve power in the vehicle, more than for saving fuel costs, so they get a much lower mpg rating than the Prius.
2006-07-13 20:59:12 · answer #2 · answered by agentdenim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One way to go is Hybrid, keep in mind you will pay an added premium just because it's a HYBRID, so where is the savings? also collision repairs to this type of vehicle are specialized, the hybrid battery is very caustic and if is damaged it very dangerous. also if you are in an accident and any electrical in conjuction with the hybrid motor or battery can cause " electrical leakage" (trans: it can electrocute and kill you)
I say stick with the Toyota Corolla or comprable, only 24mpg but the price is fair.
the hybrid technology needs to advance some more before capturing the full market
2006-07-13 22:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by underdog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the website Hybrid Vehicles. It gives you all the information you could need about hybrid cars and fuel efficiency.
2006-07-19 15:46:07 · answer #4 · answered by Dan P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are quite a few options today with cars, toyota makes the new prius which is in the 40+ range on the gas mileage as well as the yaris, and they just released a 2007 toyota camry hybrid, honda makes a hybrid civic sedan, as well as an accord sedan. these cars range anywhere from 13,000-25,000 dollars so depending on how much you wish to spend could help you narrow it down, visit the honda and toyota sites for more info!!! GOOD LUCK!
2006-07-13 20:58:44 · answer #5 · answered by pvtconti 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want good fuel milage, a small car, 4 cylinder with a standard transmission.
2006-07-13 20:59:37 · answer #6 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toyota Prius - hybrid
40+ MPG
2006-07-13 20:54:18 · answer #7 · answered by Shaula 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with a TDI Jetta...40-50MPG, a REAL car that rides like a REAL car, not a tin-can.
2006-07-13 20:54:45 · answer #8 · answered by LovePinkPuffies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a mini Cooper.. or a hybrid car!
2006-07-13 20:59:13 · answer #9 · answered by prettyartisichuskey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Schwin.
2006-07-13 20:53:03 · answer #10 · answered by tm_tech32 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋