Can a legacy vehicle legally be converted to operate on E85?
The short answer is yes, but in reality, it is very complicated. Nearly all vehicles that can operate on E85 were built by an OEM, like General Motors or Ford. The complicated process of receiving EPA certification is difficult. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 have the EPA the authority to implement regulations that require the exhaust emissions from vehicles converted to run on alternative fuels be “as clean as the exhaust emissions of the original gasoline equipment.” That makes the requirement for an individual wanting to convert a vehicle the same as that of an OEM, like Chrysler. Perhaps more importantly, these individuals or companies are also required to warranty the exhaust emissions from these vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
