Ford adds full-size van, SUVs to its flex-fuel line

According to Ford, the E-series will be the first over-8,500-pound full-size van to provide E-85 capability and the first full-size van to offer two V-8 engine alternatives (a 4.6-liter and a 5.4-liter)
with E-85 capability. Ford redesigned its E-85 E-series last year.

The Expedition, Expedition EL, Navigator and Navigator L will be available with the 5.4-liter flexible-fuel engine, Ford said.

“These new flex-fuel offerings will provide a key benefit to customers who require, or desire, E-85 capability in vehicles with the functional attributes that only a full-size van or large SUV can provide,” said Gerald Koss, Ford’s fleet marketing manager. 

The addition of the Expedition, Navigator and E-series to Ford’s flexible-fuel lineup brings the total to seven. The other models include the Ford F-150 and Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. Beginning with the 2008 model year, Ford began offering the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and taxi with E-85 capability.

“The expansion of our FFV line up to include Expedition, Navigator and E-series provides a great alternative for customers who are committed to becoming more environmentally conscious and seek alternative-fuel vehicles either for their business or for personal use,” Koss said. “This includes government and business customers that are mandated by the Energy Policy ACT (EPACT) to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles.” 

Production slated to begin in July

According to Ford, government agencies that include 2009-model-year Expedition, Navigator or E-series on their annual Department of Energy plan can receive credits toward EPACT mandates, increasing the flexibility of their vehicle fleet selection and purchases.

Customers can begin placing orders for the Expedition, Navigator and E-series in May, with vehicle production slated to begin in July.

Last year, Ford achieved 50-state certification for all of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 2008 flexible-fuel passenger car models. Achieving 50-state certification means Ford's flexible fuel vehicles meet emissions rules set by the federal government as well as those set by California.

Ford said that it has placed more than 2 million flexible-fuel vehicles on the road and has pledged to make half of its production capable of running on alternative fuels by 2012, provided the necessary fuel and infrastructure are in place.