national energy independence

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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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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Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2017 – Without a Plug

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2017 sets another high point for fuel efficiency with a bumper crop of hybrids, turbo-diesels, and small-displacement vehicles that will knock your socks off. Not only do these highly efficient cars deliver great gas mileage, many are exceptionally rewarding to drive and stylish to boot.

While the brand new Hyundai Ioniq swipes the top spot from the Toyota Prius, the Kia Niro, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid are roomy and packed with creature comforts.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

Here’s our list of the Top Fifty Cars of 2017 with Great MPGs (without a plug) …

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Derive Systems: Improving Fleet Fuel Efficiency via Software Solutions

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Fleet vehicles use a whopping amount of fuel. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the average delivery truck travels approximately 13,000 miles per year, a police car slightly over 15,000 miles, and a light truck nearly 12,000 miles. Multiply those numbers by the size of each fleet and the numbers roll up.

Whether it’s a police cruiser, an appliance repair truck, or an executive transport coach, optimizing idle settings is key to slashing overall fleet fuel consumption. The average fleet vehicle spends a monumental amount of time idling. A fleet manager can see a substantial reduction in fuel costs by implementing some simple changes. Yet it’s rarely done.

Derive Efficiency handheld OBDII device

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High-Octane Low-Carbon Fuels Produce More Power & MPGs

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I am a road-test editor by trade. Testing fuel-efficiency is a key part of my job. It seems odd that the EPA, NHTSA and CARB have teamed up on TAR, but that the DOE and USDA have been left out.

The Oak Ridge National Labs work on this topic is crucial. The world’s largest automobile manufacturers are all turning to highly-efficient downsized, down-speeded small displacement forced-induction engines. They produce more power with less weight.

Modern forced induction small-displacement engines LOVE high-octane low-carbon fuel. The most cost-effective way to achieve high-octane is with ethanol.

I have begun fuel efficiency testing with E15 fuel. My first E10 vs E15 test with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco produced remarkable results:

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