UK introduces E10 petrol

Motorists across the UK are shifting to a greener fuel with the introduction of E10 at service stations across the country.

The introduction of E10 fuel, which is a mixture of petrol and 10% ethanol made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, will boost the UK government’s ambitions to reach net zero by 2050.

According to the government, the new fuel could cut transport carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 750,000 t/y – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

It is estimated that at least 600,000 older cars, including some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel (containing up to 5% ethanol), which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘Super’ grade.

The government is advising motorists to use the new E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

However, the RAC motoring organisation reports that more than a quarter of drivers (27%) are yet to check whether their car is compatible with the new fuel, with a similar proportion (24%) unaware that the new fuel is being introduced to replace E5 as the standard grade of unleaded petrol.