New E10 petrol and what it means for you

This summer, the UK Government intend to make the standard petrol grade in the UK E10.  This will replace the current 95 octane petrol (E5) we are all familiar with. 

So why the change? 

With the increasing pressure on Governments and world leaders to reduce our carbon emissions, the UK has decided to use the new E10 petrol which contains 5% more renewable ethanol than the current petrol available.  This change will help to reduce CO2 emissions and assist in the battle against climate change.  

This new petrol uses fewer fossil fuels and in return reduces the CO2 emissions caused by vehicles. The E10 fuel is already being used across Europe, the USA and Australia, with the UK following suit and introducing the fuel this summer. The E10 fuel has also been the reference fuel that new cars are tested against for emissions and performance. As petrol stations across the country introduce E10, it is said that vehicle emissions could be cut by 750,000 tonnes a year which aids the worlds battle against climate change.

How will it affect you?

What does it mean to those of us with a petrol-powered vehicle? 95% of cars built before 2011 are compatible with E10 petrol, and all of those manufactured after 2011 are also compatible, meaning for most of us there will be no issues. However, the following vehicles may not be compatible with E10 petrol:

• Classic, cherished, and older vehicles
• Specific models manufactured in the early 2000s
• Mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under

Fuel will still be available for vehicles not compatible with the E10 petrol, but you will have to purchase the E5 Super Grade when re-filling. Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5, but it may still be worth making yourself familiar with the E5 and E10 labels, so you do not get caught out!  

The UK Government have a handy vehicle checker to see if your car is compatible with the new fuel. You can also find other tips and guides for driving using this new and improved fuel.

What happens if you fill up with the wrong type of petrol?  

If you mistakenly put E10 petrol into a non-compatible vehicle, you simply just need to fill up with the correct E5 petrol next time and it should not cause any lasting damage to your vehicle.

Mixing E10 and E5 petrol is not the same as putting diesel in a petrol engine, you would not need to drain or flush the engine. However, prolonged, or frequent use of the E10 fuel in a non-compatible vehicle is not recommended.

It is okay to mix E10 and E5 petrol if your vehicle is compatible, this could be in the same tank or by filling up with E5 if the E10 fuel type is unavailable. 

Date Created: 16/07/2021