In Saluda, Virginia, XcelPlus International Inc. offers a solution to expand E85 ethanol use: the FlexTek conversion kit. This device allows standard cars and trucks to utilize E85 fuel, a move gaining traction as an alternative to traditional gasoline. Fuel stations, already common in Brazil where FlexTek originated, are increasingly offering E85 in the United States, attracting owners seeking to reduce dependence on foreign oil and leverage ethanol’s cleaner emissions.
Previously, E85 benefits were limited to factory-built flex-fuel vehicles, a niche market primarily serving fleet and municipal operations. The FlexTek changes this, enabling almost any vehicle to run on E85, gasoline, or any blend. According to Bill R. Smith, president of XcelPlus, their system uniquely converts standard vehicles while safeguarding the engine from E85’s potentially corrosive effects.
The FlexTek kit is designed for easy installation in most modern vehicles without significant modifications. It includes a controller unit and engine protection chemicals that form a protective layer on internal engine parts, preventing wear and oxidation. XcelPlus emphasizes the longevity and reliability of its engine protection chemicals, citing over 30 years of proven performance validated by agencies like NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy. The FlexTek kit includes a comprehensive warranty covering both the device and the vehicle’s engine, ensuring customer confidence.
Originally developed by AGE Technologies in Brazil (now owned by XcelPlus), FlexTek technology has faced attempts at reverse engineering. However, these imitations have reportedly led to performance issues and engine damage. Highlighting FlexTek’s reliability, Hyundai Motor Car Company is currently testing the technology in Australia for potential use in its flex-fuel vehicles destined for the Brazilian market.