E10 Fuel - All You Need To Know!
From Summer 2021 there will be some changes at the fuel pumps! Motorists across the Country will start to see the standard ‘unleaded’ petrol grade in the UK, being replaced by E10 fuel.
E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol - current petrol contains up to 5% ethanol (referred to as E5). E5 will continue to be available in some forecourts, in ‘super’ grade (97+ octane) fuel.
We’re sharing this information with you because a small number of vehicles, approx 5%, will not be able use the new E10 fuel. Petrol vehicles not compatible with E10 will need to keep using E5 petrol, which will only remain available in the ‘super’ grade of petrol (97+ octane).
Is my vehicle compatible?:
The change in fuel applies to petrol vehicles only (diesel fuel will not be changing). Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5.
Around 95% of petrol-powered vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 petrol and this figure is increasing all the time.
All new cars manufactured since 2011, are compatible with E10 petrol, and most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10.
The following vehicles, however, may not be compatible with E10 petrol:
classic, cherished and older vehicles
some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s
some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under
Click to check your vehicle online:
The Department for Transport has introduced an online GOV.UK E10 vehicle compatibility checker which enables motorists to find out if their car, motorcycle or moped can use the new E10 fuel. Alternatively you can contact your vehicle Manufacturer directly.
Incorrectly fuelling a vehicle with E10 petrol will not cause immediate harm, but if it is used regularly it could damage engine parts.
Why are we changing to E10 petrol?:
E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with petrol vehicles, and help tackle climate change. Petrol in the UK currently contains up to 5% renewable ethanol (known as E5).
E10 petrol is already widely used around the world, including across Europe, the US and Australia. It has also been the reference fuel against which new cars are tested for emissions and performance since 2016.
Reducing emissions:
CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and the main benefit of E10 petrol is that it reduces overall levels of CO2-based vehicle emissions.
By blending petrol with up to 10% renewable ethanol, less fossil fuel is needed, helping to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate change targets.
The introduction of E10 petrol at UK forecourts could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road, or all the cars in North Yorkshire.
As always, please get in touch if you have any questions regarding this change, Martin & The Team
Martin Matthewson Ltd
Independent Volvo & Nissan Specialists
Tel: 01256 364753