What is E10 petrol?
The new E10 petrol grade will be introduced across the UK from September 2021, as a way for the Government to reduce harmful emissions that come from vehicles. E10 petrol has the same 95-octane rating as current unleaded petrol, the only difference is it will contain a higher percentage of ethanol. The petrol supplied at filling stations currently, has a 5% mix of ethanol which gives it the name of E5. From September, the amount of ethanol in petrol will increase to 10% and be identified as E10 petrol.
Why is the amount of ethanol being doubled?
The increase in ethanol, which is produced from sustainable sources such as farming products like wheat and corn, will mean a decrease in the remaining fossil fuel content found in petrol. The introduction of E10 petrol will mean there is an overall reduction of CO2 emissions, helping the government achieve climate change targets. The change has been calculated to cut harmful vehicle emissions, approximately equivalating to 350,000 cars taken off the road.
Why hasn’t the ethanol content been much higher?
The properties of ethanol is very different to that of fossil fuelled petrol, higher ethanol content can cause corrosion within the engines of older vehicles. E10 petrol is suitable for newer engines and vehicles, however there will be E5 petrol still available for older vehicles by using the super unleaded grade.
Is E10 petrol only being introduced in the UK?
No. E10 petrol is already commonly used worldwide and since 2016, it has been tested as a reference fuel for performance and new car emissions.