Convert Your Prius to Run on E85
You've heard about plug-in hybrid conversions to the Toyota Prius. Now, a new company offers another eco-upgrade - E85 conversions. A Dutch firm named GreenFuelSystems has created an E85 bio-ethanol conversion kit that is available for 549 Euros. While the English-language version of the company's site is lacking in substantive information, they are currently being hailed as the first group to bring an E85 conversion kit to the market. What would be truly remarkable is to see a Prius with both types of conversions: a flex-fuel, plug-in hybrid. While there is much talk about the possibilities of converging both alternative fuel and electric charging capabilities, we have yet to see entrepreneurs and innovators bring such projects to the public. With the emergence of this E85 conversion kit (if it is functional and viable), we may possibly begin to see a new wave of green vehicle renovations. Note: In some respects it is harder to do a flex-fuel hybrid than a plug-in.
[Source: Autoblog.nl]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1985 Gripen 11:54AM (8/07/2008)
The Chevy Volt concept had an ICE which was flex-fuel (ethanol)-capable. It is a (serial) plug-in hybrid. However, the production model may turn out a bit different than the concept. They've already dropped the turbo which was featured on the concept in favor of a normally-aspirated ICE. I believe Saab's engineers (GM's Swedish subsidiary and experts on turbocharging and ethanol) were working with GM engineers on integrating the flex-fuel and turbo components of the Chevy Volt concept.
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Jeff 4:00PM (8/07/2008)
Am I wrong to believe that almost any modern car can run ethanol. As long as the fuel lines are made of material that can handle the harsher ethanol it should work right?
Quincy 11:17PM (8/07/2008)
Jeff:
Modern non-Flex-Fuel cars can handle up to 15% ethanol. Any more ethanol than that will break down the seals, gaskets and lines.
Flex-Fuel cars have special seals and such to ensure they can handle ethanol content at 85% (E85 fuel).
Most cars are not flex-fuel though, so you can only use up to 15% ethanol.
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Brian R 5:59PM (8/16/2008)
I've already done this:
This is ridiculous. A little behind the time Autobloggreen. This is just a simple injector close-delay box sold by tons of companies touting Ethanol conversion systems. I used one on my '06 Prius to run E85 and it worked great! - except for the MPG readout. When the injectors are held open longer to allow more fuel into the chamber, the box doesn't communicate with the ECU. So the car thinks it's putting in the same amount or less of fuel and therefore gives you a false MPG readout.
I tried to ignore it for 20k miles but after than I just couldn't take it. The car ran great however and if you have a car that doesn't have an MPG readout I highly recommend it.
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Penina 6:15PM (10/12/2008)
Hey Brian R,
Who are those other companies that are selling (or just touting?) Ethanol conversion systems. I'm researching options, and would love to add the resources to my list!
Thanks
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