A more eco-friendly E10 petrol is arriving in British filling stations from 1 September. But research shows that around a quarter of drivers have no idea if it is compatible with their car.
The government are intending to make E10 the new standard grade for petrol as it is better for the environment. It contains more ethanol, an alcohol produced from plants, and less carbon than alternative fuels.
However, according to the RAC, 24% of motorists don’t know about it, and 27% are unsure whether their car can run on it.
Current UK petrol grade, E5, contains up to 5% ethanol, while the rest is regular unleaded petrol. The new E10 replacement sees this percentage increase to 10%. This proportion brings the UK in line with other countries, such as France, Germany and Belgium.
The move is a very important step towards the government’s target on climate change. The Department for Transport predict that the introduction of E10 petrol could help cut carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year. This amounts to the equivalent of removing 350,000 cars from the roads.
The new fuel is coming now to everywhere in England, Scotland and Wales, but is not due to arrive in Northern Ireland until early 2022.
Is E10 petrol compatible with my car?
All petrol vehicles manufactured after 2011 should accept E10, but it is not compatible with some older ones. The RAC estimates that it could mean it is not suitable for as many as 600,000 vehicles currently on UK roads.
The government has set up a website where motorists can check if E10 fuel can be used in their car. However, it can not guarantee the information is 100% accurate for every particular car, especially if they have modifications or replacement parts. It warns that they accept no liability for damage caused to vehicles after drivers use their online checking tool.
26% of drivers surveyed by the RAC already checked on the government website, while another 15% say they found the information another way.
Concerns for incompatible vehicles
Those with vehicles that are not compatible will need to continue using E5 super unleaded instead, which can cost 12p more per litre than the standard version. The RAC say that 59% of drivers with vehicles not compatible with E10 worry about the higher price of filling up. Meanwhile, 20% are scared in case they accidentally fill their tank with the wrong fuel by mistake. Drivers will also need to make sure the filling station they visit still stocks supplies of E5 petrol.
E10 petrol is already beginning to appear on forecourts in place of the old E5 blend, and will continue “at pace” over the coming weeks. The change will make no difference to most drivers, but a “sizeable minority” could still experience adverse affects.
Classic car owners also need to stay aware, and take care not to accidentally fill up with E10 then leave the vehicle unused with fuel sat in the tank for long periods. This could seriously damage materials and seals, which could be costly.
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