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Please take out a sheet of paper and answer the following: A. Have you ever gone to a store to purchase a specific item and the product was out of stock? B. What options did you choose to take the place of the item? C. As a country, why should we reduce our dependence on petroleum from foreign countries? 2 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

A.There are several important terms and definitions students need to know. B.Complete Introduction to Flexible-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) Terms and Definitions handout. C.Students may work in pairs. 3 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

 The automobile has revolutionized personal and commercial transportation since it was first invented in the early 20 th century. Widespread use of automobiles has allowed several key industries to grow and profit. The petroleum (fuel) industry is one of them.  The growth of the petroleum industry and the resulting gas crisis in the 1970s caused many American leaders to question dependence on foreign oil to meet national fuel needs. The alternative fuel market was born and has continued to grow today. The use of ethanol (corn-based), as a fuel alternative, has grown steadily in the past few decades. 4 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

The widespread use of FFVs is very beneficial to our economy, our environment, and to consumers. Consider the following key facts about ethanol, a key ingredient in the fuel for FFVs.  Ethanol is produced domestically and is renewable  Ethanol helps us reduce green house gas emissions  Ethanol is a high octane fuel and helps increase vehicle performance  The production of Ethanol has created several hundred thousand jobs in the USA 5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

 One of first FFVs was a Ford “Model T,” built in the early 20 th century. The vehicle had an adjustable carburetor that would allow either gasoline, ethanol, or both fuels to be used.  Today over one million FFVs are produced per year in the USA. Trucks, cars, and SUVs are produced as FFVs. 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

FFVs are now produced by many manufacturers. The fuel efficiency of these modern vehicles is very impressive. Research several new models to find various fuel efficiency ratings that range from 38 to 49 mpg. 7 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

 Ethanol is an alcohol, and it has chemical properties that are not compatible with components that are normally used in vehicles designed only for use with petroleum.  If Ethanol is used in a fuel system that does not have compatible components, the system will degrade due to corrosion and the disintegration of rubber hoses, parts, and seals. 8 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

 Automotive designers have corrected the problem by designing fuel and engine systems with components that can withstand the alcohol content of ethanol.  Flex-fuel systems now operate efficiently with either petroleum or ethanol-blended fuel.  Computerized sensors analyze the fuel composition and make the required adjustments automatically, with no change in vehicle performance. 9 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

10 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. Fuel Tank Engine Adjustment System Fuel Fill Port Fuel Pump Fuel Lines Fuel Injection System Internal Engine Parts Engine Electrical Connections Fuel Recognition System