More Flex Fuel Vehicles Coming From GM
General Motors (GM) will offer 18 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) in model year 2009, a sharp increase from the past following the group's commitment to making its line at least half E85 compatible by 2012.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that calls for more flex fuel vehicles.
The Open Fuel Standard Act has been introduced by Senators John Thume (R-SD), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Ken Salazar (D-CO), and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT). The act requires that 50 percent of new automobiles be flex fuel by 2012 and that 80 percent of new automobiles be flex fuel by 2015. Flex fuels vehicles can operate on gasoline, ethanol, methanol or biodiesel.
If Congressional mandates are met, approximately 25 percent of the total U.S. fuel supply will be from renewable fuels by 2022. However, without more flex fuel vehicles, E-85 pumps, and ethanol dedicated pipelines, the full potential of renewable fuel is greatly limited, says Thune.
