Following the UK government’s target of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, there has been a huge focus on cutting vehicle emissions on UK roads. This includes a ban on the sales of new combustion-engine cars (including most hybrids) from 2030, and today’s hot topic, the introduction of E10 petrol as the default form of petrol in the UK.
When was E10 petrol introduced?
From 1st September 2021 (early 2022 in Northern Ireland), all UK fuel stations must make E10 their standard petrol grade. Although, it’s only recently become mandatory, you may have noticed many fuel stations making the switch over the summer ahead of the cut-off date.
What is E10 petrol?
E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, and has replaced the previous UK standard E5 petrol, which as the name suggests only contains up to 5% renewable ethanol. You may have noticed on your travels that E10 petrol is already widely used across Europe, the United States and Australia. It’s also the reference fuel that’s been used in the testing of performance and emissions of new cars since 2016.
Why is it E10 being introduced?
The short answer? E10 petrol is being introduced to help combat climate change.
The longer version? Carbon emissions, one of the biggest contributors to climate change, are cut by using a higher percentage of renewable ethanol as less fossil fuels are needed. The additional bioethanol in E10 petrol also comes from crops, which absorb CO2 as they grow. These crops are refined in the UK, further boosting the UK’s biofuel industry.
Not only it is hoped the switch will help the UK reach its net-zero carbon goal by 2050, but estimates from the UK government’s Department for Transport (DfT) indicate the switch to E10 petrol will equate to a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions per car. This will cut CO2 emissions by approximately 750,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road.
Are there any drawbacks to using E10 petrol?
It's been reported that E10 may cause a very slight overall reduction in fuel efficiency – but this is estimated to be as little as 1%, meaning the average driver will never notice this.
It’s far more likely that not taking care of your vehicle in other ways, such as driving on under-inflated tyres, or carrying unnecessary weight, will impact your vehicle’s performance far more seriously than using E10 petrol and experiencing a negligible drop in fuel efficiency.
If you’re concerned about your fuel economy, check out our guide on ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Can my vehicle run on E10 petrol?
The change only impacts petrol vehicles as nether diesel nor electric vehicles can use E10 petrol. All petrol cars built from 2011 onwards are designed to be compatible with E10 petrol, however the DfT have estimated that this leaves circa 700,000 vehicles in the UK which are not.
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is compatible, check out the E10 vehicle checker.
What if my vehicle can't run on E10 petrol?
Even if your vehicle is incompatible with E10 petrol, don’t worry, E5 will still be available as super-unleaded. You can also use protective fuel additives to improve combustion, compensate for loss of performance, and help prevent fuel system issues.
If you accidentally fill up with E10 instead of E5, there’s no need to panic! While you may notice your car isn’t running as smoothly as usual, you shouldn’t need to drain your fuel tank. Just make sure you use the correct grade next time. Prolonged use of the wrong fuel should be avoided, however, as it can cause longer-term harm to your vehicle.
