EPA certifies ethanol conversion system for fleet use

Flex-Box Smart Kit, developed by Flex Fuel U.S., Chicago, Ill., a pioneer in ethanol conversion systems, allows fleet operators and drivers to fill up on E85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) E20, E10 or pure gasoline, transforming their fleet autos into flex-fuel vehicles. There are 1,200 E85 gas stations already in the U.S.

With nothing to set and nothing to adjust, the Flex-Box Smart Kit mounts in the engine compartment. It continuously monitors engine and emission controls—oxygen sensors, throttle position sensors, engine speed and an alcohol/fuel sensor—and delivers supplementary fuel injection to allow the vehicle to operate at optimal performance no matter what fuel blend is in the tank. The onboard computer that makes the system work was engineered by John Meaney, a former Bosch engineer considered to be a founding father of digital fuel-injection technology.

The Flex-Box Smart Kit enables fleet operators to take advantage of the benefits of using ethanol and ethanol-gas blends, such as:

• Fuel cost savings of approximately 15 percent per gallon over gasoline;

• Additional fleet incentives such as rebates, fuel discounts and access to HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes;

• An 85 percent reduction in fossil greenhouse gas emissions;

• Independence from foreign oil;

• Supporting domestic farming; and

• Significantly increasing vehicle horsepower, acceleration and performance.

Furthermore, EPA testing shows that vehicles equipped with the Flex-Box Smart Kit get 16.9 mpg in the city and 26.8 mpg highway.

The first Flex-Box Smart Kit is certified for common fleet vehicles: the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car. Because these vehicles are most often used in police, taxi and livery fleets, as well as city, state and federal government motor pools, businesses and government agencies can save taxpayers money, cut greenhouse gas emissions, support domestic energy, and boost vehicle power simultaneously.

The added benefit of increased horsepower should be attractive to police officers and limousine drivers. Flex Fuel U.S. also expects to receive approval for passenger vehicle Flex-Box Smart Kits, including consumer, truck and performance vehicles.