According to a Protec Fuel press release, the Florida-based corporation will be supplying E85 for the EcoCAR Challenge. The EcoCAR challenges 16 universities across the U.S. and Canada to redesign and reengineer a General Motors donated vehicle to further minimize energy consumption and reduce emissions.

“Protec continues to show great leadership in the area of biofuel commercialization. We are pleased that Protec is sponsoring the EcoCAR Challenge helping to support education and technology,” said Mary Beth Stanek, Director of Environment and Energy Policy and Commercialization for General Motors. Todd Garner, CEO of Protec Fuel stated that “developing the next generation of engineers focused on E85 and flex fuel vehicles is critical. E85 must play an integral role in our transportation fuel mix since the Renewable Fuels Standard 2 cannot be mathematically achieved without a significant expansion of E85 use.”

The EcoCAR Challenge is in year two out of its three year run. Over the last academic year, EcoCAR teams have spent countless hours developing prototype advanced technology vehicles that will be judged in more than a dozen technical events at this year’s competition finals, which will be held May 17-27, 2010. Events will take place at the GM Desert Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona and at locations throughout San Diego, California.

The EcoCAR Challenge is also sponsored by the Department of Energy.