Why ethanol? It's usually created from vegetable matter - like corn or sugar - and it burns like gasoline, although with less energy. It can be grown and refined within theUnited States. And it requires relatively little change from existing engine designs, meaning engines like GM's 5.3-liter V-8 and Ford's 5.4-liter V-8 can be readily and less expensively adapted to the technology.

Another benefit: when ethanol fuel isn't available, an E85-capable vehicle can simply be run on regular gas. All the fuel goes into the same tank; there are no switches or special steps to take. Just pump it in and drive. (For information on E85 fuel in your area of the country, see www.e85refueling.com.)

And while it has some significant disadvantages - E85 contains less energy per gallon than pure gasoline, so fuel economy drops by 10-25 percent - ethanol is evolving as one of the choices in a future of multiple car fuels. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler have committed to ethanol in a big way and now offer several passenger car, truck, and SUV models that are "E85/flex-fuel capable." And they're not alone. The list of ethanol-powered vehicles you can buy today includes these:  MORE--