Your fun photo could earn you $1,000 in fuel

(ARA) - Flex fuel, E85, renewable fuel ... there's lots of talk, but how do you know the truth about this new type of fuel?

Ethanol fuel 101

E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline developed for use in flex-fuel vehicles. This high-octane, high-performance fuel is clean and environmentally friendly -- reducing harmful hydrocarbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

And because ethanol is renewable, it reduces America's dependence on foreign crude oil and gasoline imports. Today's ethanol is just the first generation of biofuels. There are even better things to come.

Here's what E85 can do for you:

• Increased horsepower -- E85 is a higher octane, cleaner burning fuel than gasoline.
• Provides support for domestically-sourced fuels and enhanced energy security.
• Reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that ethanol produced from corn, on a life-cycle basis, results in a significant reduction in greenhouse gases. Next-generation biofuels could double that.

Are you driving a flex-fuel vehicle and don't even know it?

There are more than 8 million flex-fuel vehicles on the roads today. You may have even driven one and not known it. They're available in most vehicle classes, including compacts, sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs. A flex-fuel vehicle can operate on any blend of ethanol up to 85 percent, so if E85 is not available, the vehicle can operate on unleaded gasoline or any ethanol blend.

The number of E85 fueling stations is also growing rapidly nationwide. There are some 2,200 retail stations offering E85 across the country. Check out the increasing number of E85 refueling stations. There's probably one closer than you realize.

Win a $1,000 fuel card

Want a chance to win free fuel? It's easier than you think. Visit www.e85challenge.com and submit a snapshot from your road trip vacation before July 31, 2009. It can be serious, silly or anything in between. You'll have a chance at winning a $1,000 fuel card or one of many $100 fuel cards. You can also visit the site and vote for your favorite for a chance to win as well.


Visit www.e85challenge.com today to learn how beneficial ethanol fuel is for everyone. Then enter the summer photo contest for a chance to win up to $1,000 in free fuel. Copyright ©, ARAnet, Inc.