Flexfuel box: definition, benefits and price

The flexfuel box is an E85 Super Ethanol conversion kit. This allows the car to run on E85, cleaner and cheaper fuel, and gasoline. The flexfuel box was developed by the eponymous company, the market leader in France. It is designed for vehicles with a gasoline engine. Count around € 1000 to convert your car to the E85.

⛽ What is flex fuel box?

Le flexfuel box is a technology that allows you to transform your car into superethanol E85... In fact, this is an approved E85 Super Ethanol Conversion Kit developed by FlexFuel. The latter is not the only one to offer such boxes, as this also applies, for example, to Biomotors.

Superethanol E85 is a type of fuel in which several components are mixed: biofuelin this case ethanol and unleaded petrol 95. So it is cleaner than petrol alone, which is limited.

Previously, flex-fuel boxes were intended for vehicles with less than 14 hp. Effective April 1, 2021, the decree extended the use of flexible fuel containers to 15 hp vehicles. and more, for 9 out of 10 vehicles in the French fleet.

When filling a gasoline (or diesel) tank with E85 super ethanol, there is a risk of engine failure, so the flex fuel conversion unit allows you to convert your vehicle to use both gasoline and E85 super ethanol.

Indeed, unlike LPG, Super Ethanol E85 does not require a second tank. The flexfuel converter unit automatically adapts the injection and operation of the vehicle depending on the fuel, which in any proportion is filled into only one tank.

🔎 What are the advantages and disadvantages of flex fuel box?

Of course, the main advantage of the flex-fuel box is obviously the conversion of a gasoline car to E85 superethanol. Thus, the car can run on both gasoline and E85 superethanol, which can be used in any proportion, since it the same tank.

In short, you don't run the risk of failing. In addition, another advantage of the Flexfuel is that it uses more environmentally friendly fuels than petrol or diesel. In accordance with current legislation, the more ethanol the fuel contains, the less it is taxed.

However, E85 is already noticeable cheap than gasoline and diesel. But even in the event of an increase, the tax will remain lower than on less environmentally friendly fuels. In terms of price, the E85 will thus maintain its lead. It turns out to be more economical than gasoline and diesel, which is another advantage of the flexfuel box.

But since it is subject to lower taxes, the E85 will also allow you to pay less for your registration card! However, the flex-fuel box also has drawbacks. Firstly, its installation is paid. Then E85 causes excessive fuel consumption. One more point: there is no flex fuel box installed only on a gasoline vehicle not diesel.

Finally, not all gas stations still offer E85 super ethanol for refueling. However, there are more and more of them, and therefore in France they number in the thousands. Plus, your car continues to run on gas after installing the Flexfuel fuel tank, which protects you from breakdown if you can't find the E85 on your route.

👨‍🔧 How to install flex fuel box?

The installation of the flexfuel unit is usually done by an authorized installer. The box is installed at the level of your engine, connected to the injectors. Therefore, it is necessary to find a suitable place for it, which varies from one car model to another.

Material:

• Conversion kit E85
• Tools

Step 1: disconnect the battery

Obviously, the installation of the fuel tank should be done with the engine off and cold. We recommend that you return the car to a service center in advance. Disconnect the battery to avoid short circuit and locate the temperature sensor and the IAT sensor.

Step 2: Connect the flexfuel box

The flexfuel box must first be connected to the temperature probe. Connect the supplied black cable to the sensor. Then connect the white cable to the IAT sensor. In both cases, be careful to establish electrical contact. Then place the temperature sensor next to the water hose or cylinder head to facilitate cold starts when driving the E85.

Step 3: attach the flex fuel box

Find a spot in the flex fuel box. Install it in a place on the engine where it will not get too hot. We recommend placing it, for example, next to a battery or fuse box. Finally, secure it with the supplied clamps and then secure the cables. Finish by reconnecting the car battery.

💰 How much does a flexible fuel container cost?

The price for a flexible fuel container can vary from 700 to 1500 euros. On average, count about 1000 €... This cost includes:

• The converter itself;
• L'installation;
• Parts warranty.

Please note that with the increasing popularity of E85 and fossil fuel alternatives, some regions offer assistance or support that may cover a fraction of the cost of your Flexfuel unit.

Now you know the benefits of a flex fuel box! As you can imagine, the E85 is less polluting and cheaper than gasoline and diesel, but there is a fee to install the conversion kit. Take extra care to do it correctly so as not to damage the engine.