A Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Cost Calculator is a tool used to estimate how much it costs to run a flex-fuel vehicle using different fuel types—usually a mix of gasoline and ethanol (E85).

Flex-fuel vehicles can run on:

• Regular gasoline (E10 or E15)
• E85 fuel (about 51%–83% ethanol, depending on season and country)
• Any blend between them

The calculator helps compare:

• fuel cost per trip,
• cost per mile/km,
• yearly fuel expenses,
• and savings or losses when switching between gasoline and E85.

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Basic Formula

$\text{Fuel Cost} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{MPG}} \times \text{Fuel Price}$Fuel Cost=MPGDistance​×Fuel Price

For flex-fuel vehicles, you usually calculate both fuels separately because E85 has lower energy efficiency.

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Example in Dollars ($)

Given:

• Distance = 300 miles
• Gasoline efficiency = 25 MPG
• E85 efficiency = 18 MPG (lower energy content)
• Gas price = $3.50/gallon
• E85 price = $2.80/gallon

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1. Gasoline Cost

Fuel used:$$300 \div 25 = 12 \text{ gallons}$$300÷25=12 gallons

Cost:$$12 \times 3.50 = \$42$$12×3.50=$42

✅ Gasoline cost = $42

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2. E85 Cost

Fuel used:$$300 \div 18 \approx 16.67 \text{ gallons}$$300÷18≈16.67 gallons

Cost:$$16.67 \times 2.80 \approx \$46.68$$16.67×2.80≈$46.68

❗ E85 cost = $46.68

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Comparison

Fuel Type	Efficiency	Price	Total Cost (300 miles)
Gasoline	25 MPG	$3.50/gal	$42.00
E85	18 MPG	$2.80/gal	$46.68

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What a Flex Fuel Cost Calculator Helps You Do

• Compare gasoline vs E85 costs
• Find cheapest fuel option for your area
• Estimate annual savings or losses
• Understand real-world MPG differences
• Plan fuel budgets for FFV cars or fleets

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Important Insight

Even though E85 is usually cheaper per gallon, it often:

• gives lower mileage (MPG)
• may end up costing more per mile unless heavily discounted

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