alternative fuel

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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Tesla Model 3 Depreciation – A Quick Look

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It’s essential to consider the hidden costs of depreciation when buying an electric vehicle. The loss in value affects every make and model to varying degrees. With the Tesla Model 3, depreciation happens, just like every other car.

The primary vehicle depreciation factors include vehicle age, mileage, and condition. “You lose money the minute you drive off the lot” may be cliche, but it points to the massive plunge in value upfront. That’s why it can be advantageous to buy a previously owned car with low mileage – the first owner takes the deepest cut.

A row of Tesla Model S at the auction yard.
The auctions are packed with Teslas. Depreciation is always a factor.

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NASCAR Gas Mileage Racing

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Fuel management is key to success in NASCAR. Races are won and lost depending on a team’s ability to accurately measure the amount of fuel necessary to cover the distance. At this year’s Pocono 500, I asked Dr. Eric Warren, the director of competition for Richard Childress Racing, for some insight into gas mileage racing in NASCAR.

“Each race is a certain length,” Dr. Warren explained. “Say it’s a 400-mile race. The objective is to get to the finish line and 400 miles quicker than anyone else.” NASCAR cup cars have fuel tanks that hold approximately 18.5 gallons. “Let’s say we can get a hundred miles on a tank of gas depending upon the racetrack, that might be 60 laps or it might be 50 laps on a two-mile track,” Dr. Warren continued. “If that caution comes out with 53 laps to go or 110 miles to go you have to stretch and make sure you start saving fuel because making it to the end of the race is more important than having to make an extra pit stop.”

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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Turbodiesel Review

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Hang onto your hats. The most fuel-efficient petroleum powered sedan in America for open road cruising is the 2017 Chevy Cruze Turbodiesel. While a number of hybrids may be more efficient in city driving, the Cruze turbodiesel delivers off-the-charts fuel economy out in the country and on the highway. I covered 336.3 miles in mixed conditions and used only 6.942 gallons of diesel fuel (verified via tank fill, not the onboard computer), with an overall average of 48.4 miles per gallon (MPG) in my six-speed manual tester.

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