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Today (01 September), E10 has been introduced as the new standard grade of petrol at fuel pumps across Great Britain.
Over 95% of all petrol vehicles are compatible with E10, with the small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, still able to access E5 petrol in the ‘Super’ grade.
Motorists should use the government’s free online E10 checker (here) to see if their vehicle is compatible.
E10 will not be more expensive at the pump than current standard petrol. Although using E10 petrol can marginally impact fuel economy – generally around 1% – this will be almost unnoticeable to most drivers when making everyday journeys.
E10 petrol is blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol and made up of materials such as low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, making it greener than existing petrol.
It could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off of UK roads.
‘This is a positive and simple step to help reduce the carbon impact from road transport. While the vast majority of vehicles will be unaffected by the change, it is important for owners of older cars to use the government’s vehicle checker to see if they can use E10.
‘Even if E10 is put in a non-compliant vehicle, drivers should not panic and can simply put super unleaded in their tank at the next available opportunity.’
EDMUND KING OBE
AA president
The E10 rollout this month will also support the increased production of biofuels at bioethanol plants in the northeast of England.
This will boost job opportunities in the local area, with the two big plants providing around 200 skilled jobs directly, and support thousands in the wider local economy, including in the agriculture sector that supplies the feed-wheat needed to run the plant.
‘Every journey matters as we drive forward the green industrial revolution, which is why the rollout of E10 is so important. It’ll help us cut road greenhouse gas emissions and meet our ambitious net zero targets.
‘Although more and more drivers are switching to electric, there are steps we can take today to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we accelerate towards a greener transport future.’
GRANT SHAPPS
Transport Secretary
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