Decoding GM’s 2026 FlexFuel Strategy

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In an era dominated by news of rapidly accelerating electrification, a quiet corner of the automotive market continues to utilize a different kind of alternative energy. For the 2026 model year, General Motors (GM) has renewed its commitment to FlexFuel, which offers a compelling blend of high-octane performance and agricultural sustainability.

While many manufacturers have phased out E85 compatibility in favor of hybrid or electric powertrains, GM’s strategy remains pragmatic: utilizing the existing internal combustion infrastructure to deliver enhanced performance to those who need it: owners of their heavy-duty trucks and popular small SUVs.

Understanding the implications of running high-ethanol blends like E85 (85% ethanol) or intermediate blends like E30 (30% ethanol) requires delving into the science of combustion, the sophistication of modern engine control units (ECUs), and the nuances of automotive maintenance. This article explores the technical realities, financial trade-offs, and performance metrics of GM’s 2026 FlexFuel lineup, while emphasizing the importance of precise vehicle verification.

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List of Cars That Use E15 Gasoline

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The 2014 Ford Fiesta SFE is one of the most efficient cars that use E15.
The Ford Fiesta’s capless fuel filler system shows that the car is approved for E15 gasoline.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering whether you can use E15 gas in your car, truck, SUV, or van. We’ve compiled a list of all the cars that use E15 fuel with factory-approval, with data supplied by the auto manufacturers to the EPA. While the EPA states that all vehicles manufactured after 2001 are compatible with E15, some manufacturers see it differently.

List of factory-approved E15 Cars by Model Year:
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

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Electric Vehicle Aerodynamics – EV Drag Coefficient List

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Aerodynamics are key to electric vehicle (EV) efficiency and driving range. The basic principle is simple; the lower the coefficient of drag (cD), the further you can travel per charge. The slickest cars follow nature. A bird that’s shaped like a brick cannot fly. Unfortunately, electric vehicle aerodynamics have taken a back seat to the whims of the market. In the quarter century since the introduction of the General Motors EV1, it’s 0.19 cD remains unrivaled.

The 1996 GM EV1 is the most aerodynamic electric vehicle sold in America.

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Get Better Gas Mileage by Picking the Right Route

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It might sound odd, but the shortest distance between two points might not be the most fuel-efficient route. It all depends on how many traffic lights there are up the highway and how far out of the way you might go on the scenic route.

I like to fire up Google maps to find routes that are less traveled, potentially more fuel efficient, and less stressful. In this example, lets take a ride to Burger King. Google Maps tells us the fastest route is straight up the highway, at 7.4 miles and 12 minutes. But the problem is, while much of the highway is 50 miles per hour (MPH), there are over a dozen traffic lights.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2012. Google has updated Maps with a “Most Fuel-Efficient” route option.

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Best 2022 Pickup Truck Gas Mileage

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There’s a new leader on top of the pickup truck gas mileage charts for 2022 and it’s a solid deal, straight off the lot … if you can find one.

This post takes a run through the most fuel-efficient trucks with internal combustion engines, listing the highest scoring drivetrains for each model first, followed by the less-efficient configurations. It’s worth noting that there are still two pickups offered with manual transmissions in America.

Ford Maverick Pickup

When Ford rolled out the Maverick Hybrid they didn’t just catch the world by surprise. The company proved a point that the industry didn’t want to admit (publicly). There really is a market for small capable pickup trucks with excellent gas mileage! If your family can only own one vehicle, an affordable and economical pickup is a solid choice.

The Ford Maverick Hybrid is 2022's pickup truck gas mileage champ!

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