Right - Commonwealth Agri-Energy general manger Mick Henderson cut the tape to open the first E85 refueling pump in Western Kentucky.

(October 5, 2005, HOPKINSVILLE) – The home-grown, renewable fuel E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, is now available to drivers in Hopkinsville, as Max Arnold and Sons today unveiled their renovated Max Fuel Express refueling station located on the corner of Ft. Campbell Blvd. and Walnut St.

The ethanol for the E85 blend will be supplied by Commonwealth Agri-Energy, the Hopkinsville-based ethanol plant, which is owned by farmer members of Hopkinsville Elevator Co. and the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KyCGA).

“This is truly a home-grown fuel,” says Todd Barlow, executive director of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association. “Our growers are rejoicing the fact that the market for their corn is growing, and local businesses are dedicated to providing a renewable fuel alternative for drivers.”

The KyCGA has endorsed the environmental and engine performance benefits of using E85 for many years, but until now, found it difficult to promote the fuel state-wide due to low availability.

“Using E85 always made a lot of sense for large fleets with a private refueling infrastructure,” says Barlow. “With the current fuel prices and factors causing the price increases, I think we will see more and more consumers interested in utilizing a renewable, domestically-produced fuel.”

Only vehicles manufactured as “flexible fuel” can safely utilize this higher blend of ethanol. According to Max Arnold & Sons executive vice-president of marketing, Phil Russo, however, there are about 25 of these E85-compatible, flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) driven locally owned by state and federal agencies. There may be many other consumer-owned FFVs in the area since many auto manufacturers have made models with the flexible fuel engine as standard equipment.

"We wanted to provide a fueling outlet for government fleets and the new flexible fuel vehicles," said Russo.

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, the nations leading promoter of E85, says auto manufacturers have been making FFVs since 1998. Interested consumers should first check behind their fuel doors. It will say “E85” or “Ethanol Fuel or Unleaded.” Consumers may also check their vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit www.e85fuel.com for a VIN guide.

Common FFVs include*:

• Ford Taurus, Ranger & Explorer

• Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth minivans

• Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring

• Chevy Avalanche, S-10, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban

• GMC Sonoma, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL

• Mercedes Benz C320 and C240

• Mazda B3000 pickup

• Mercury Sable and Mountaineer

• Nissan Titan

• Isuzu Hombre pickup

*Most FFV models are offered in addition to conventional gasoline models.

At 105, E85 is much higher in octane than unleaded gasoline. Fuel efficiency however is reduced, on average, by 15 percent.

Max Arnold & Sons will attempt to keep the price of E85 at 40 cents under current gasoline prices. Even with the loss in fuel efficiency, it will remain an economical choice. Today, the station offered E85 at 50 cents less than regular gasoline. The gas station and convenience store is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT.

For additional information about ethanol and E85 use in Kentucky visit www.kentuckycleanfuels.org or the KyCGA Kentucky Ethanol Guide at www.kycorn.org.