24th June 2021
The UK government has announced that E10 petrol is set to be launched in September 2021, as part of the government’s ambitions to reach net zero by 2050. It will become the UK’s standard petrol grade, which will replace the current E5 petrol. The introduction of the E10 petrol is aimed to reduce the CO2 emissions and tackle climate change.
E10 petrol is lower-carbon, mixture of renewable ethanol (10%) and petrol made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste food. The current E5 petrol contains no more than 5% renewable ethanol.
At the filling stations, a circular E10 label will be displayed on both the petrol dispenser and nozzles, so you can easily identify it.
It is expected that the pump price will be slightly lower than the current E5 petrol. However, less energy content means that the fuel efficiency will be reduced.
The 10% renewable ethanol in the E10 petrol means that less fossil fuels will be used, which would consequently have a positive impact on the environment. According to the UK government, the introduction of E10 petrol could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year, which is equivalent of taking 350,000 cars of the road.
The good news is that almost every petrol-powered vehicle in the UK is compatible with E10 petrol. The vehicle which may not be compatible are classic cherished and older vehicles, some specific models, most likely from the early 2000s, and some mopeds with an engine size 50cc or under.
Click here to check if your vehicle can run on E10 petrol, or consult your manual/contact vehicle manufacturer.
Diesel and Electric vehicles can’t use e10 petrol.
If you vehicle isn’t compatible with E10 petrol, you can still use E5 petrol by purchasing the ‘Super’ grade petrol which is available at most fuel stations.
Please note, using a different type of fuel such as E10 petrol, doesn’t affect or change the rules related to driving in CAZ, ULEZ and LEZ, as the rules are determined by the vehicle’s Euro emissions and not the fuel type.
If you have any questions about how this may impact your fleet, please get in touch.