Watch CBS News

ConsumerWatch: Some Drivers Can Save Using Alternative Fuels

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- With fuel prices on the rise, drivers are looking for ways to save. If you have a flex fuel vehicle, you can switch over from gasoline to cheaper alternative fuels such as ethanol or alcohol. And you may be already driving one.

Scientist David Bloom has been teaching consumers how to convert their cars to run entirely on alcohol like he did with a Trans Am from the film "Kill Bill."

"We spiffed up the body converted it to alcohol with a little conversion kit and ever since we haven't had to run it on gasoline," he said. "It's just running on alcohol."

According to Bloom, flex fuel is better for the environment then traditional gasoline and is also cost efficient. Currently the price of alcohol is 90 cents less then gasoline.

And as the popularity rises for flex fuel, there are Apple and Android apps for consumers to locate the nearest station. There are currently less than 2,000 flex fuel stations nationwide.

Automakers including General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler have committed to 50 percent flex fuel cars within the next couple of years. But according to industry insiders, there are 10 million flex fuel cars on the road and many drivers are unaware they are already in one.

Below are a number of links that include a full list of flex fuel compatible vehicles and lists of flex fuel stations in the Bay Area and nationwide.
Flex Fuel Cars: http://www.propelfuels.com/content/flex_fuel_vehicles/
Propel Fuel Stations: http://www.propelfuels.com/content/station_locator/
National/regional Flex Fuel stations: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/progs/ind_state.php/CA/E85
Flex Fuel Locator Mobile App: http://chooseethanol.com/pages/flex-fuel-station-locator-app-now-available-for-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.