Expressing ability: Can or Be able to?

When expressing the concept of ability, CAN tends to be more popular. However, BE ABLE TO is much more flexible and expressive than CAN which is very limited and will not conjugate into toher tenses or work with other structures. CAN is a specialist in defining skills we possess or what is possible or not: I can play the piano, you can't park here for example.

BBE ABLE TO is more about ability through opportunity: I was able to find a new flat to rent for example. BE ABLE TO also conjugates into all tenses: I will be able to (the future of CAN), I have been able to etc. Also it will combine with other structures such as modals: We should be able to finish the work early.

Both can be used to express general abilities: I can cook / am able to cook.