Disclaimer: This blog post aims to provide general information about E10 fuel and should not be considered professional or legal advice.
Over the last few years, there have been growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, so Governments and industries worldwide are seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions. The introduction of E10 fuel as the standard grade petrol in 2021 was part of this greener initiative in the UK.
E10 fuel has a composition of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol and offers several benefits to both vehicles and the environment.
The main advantage of using E10 fuel is the reduced dependence on fossil fuels. By incorporating renewable ethanol derived from plant sources, we can help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. E10 fuel can also enhance engine performance and efficiency, leading to improved fuel economy and reduced engine wear.
What is E10 fuel?
E10 is an eco-friendly fuel blend which has recently emerged as a promising, sustainable alternative to traditional petrol. E10 fuel contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, whereas the previous standard petrol, E5, only contains up to 5% ethanol. Using E10 fuel minimises the impact on the environment.
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced by fermenting various plants, such as sugarcane and grains, along with their by-products. It is believed that ethanol is atmospherically carbon neutral, as the biofuel plants should absorb more carbon dioxide than is released during fuel production and combustion.
As E10 blends petrol with a higher level of ethanol than E5, less fossil fuel is needed, which could reduce CO2 emissions by around 750,000 tonnes per year.
Many European countries were already using E10 as standard petrol prior to 2021, and it’s also widely used in the USA and Australia. However, E5 fuel is still widely available at petrol stations across the UK but is now charged at a premium rate.
The composition of E10 fuel
E10 fuel is a blended petrol made up of 90% standard petrol and up to 10% ethanol. The ethanol component is a renewable biofuel, typically produced from crops such as wheat, corn, or sugar beet, as well as agricultural by-products.
The petrol portion of E10 remains largely the same as traditional unleaded fuel, providing the energy needed to power petrol engines. The key difference lies in the increased ethanol content compared to E5 fuel, which contains no more than 5% ethanol.
Ethanol has a higher oxygen content than petrol, which allows fuel to burn more completely during combustion. This can help reduce certain tailpipe emissions, particularly carbon monoxide. However, ethanol also has a slightly lower energy density than petrol, which is why E10 may result in a small reduction in fuel economy for some vehicles.
To ensure safety and compatibility, E10 fuel sold in the UK must meet strict fuel quality standards. Additives are also included to help protect engine components, reduce corrosion, and maintain fuel stability, particularly in modern petrol vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol blends.
Benefits of E10 fuel
There are many benefits to using E10 fuel, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which will help the UK to achieve the Government’s climate change targets. Some other benefits of E10 fuel are:
Renewable energy source – E10 fuel can be produced domestically, so it’s unlikely that it will ever run out, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Improved air quality – As E10 fuel helps to reduce CO2 emissions, air quality could possibly improve, particularly in urban areas with high vehicle density.
Enhanced engine performance – Ethanol has a higher-octane rating compared to gasoline, which can improve engine performance.
Economically beneficial – The use and production of E10 fuel help to create jobs in the agricultural sector due to the increase in demand for crops used in ethanol production. As it’s a domestically produced fuel, E10 fuel could also contribute to a more stable fuel supply, potentially limiting price volatility.
Considerations for E10 fuel users
Over 95% of petrol-powered vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 fuel, including all petrol vehicles that have been manufactured since 2011. Most drivers will already be using E10 for their petrol vehicles, but there are several considerations you should keep in mind:
Compatibility – Although most vehicles are compatible with E10 fuel, some older vehicles, particularly classic cars, motorcycles, and certain small engines, may not be approved for use with E10. You can easily check online if your vehicle can run on E10 fuel.
Fuel efficiency – As E10 has a slightly lower energy content than E5, drivers may notice a slight decrease in mileage per gallon (mpg). However, the difference is typically minimal and shouldn’t significantly impact most vehicles.
Storage – E10 fuel has a shorter shelf-life than E5 due to its higher level of ethanol. If you have a fuel storage container, you should therefore make sure to use your E10 fuel within a few months to prevent any degradation.
Maintenance – The higher ethanol levels in E10 fuel can corrode your vehicle’s fuel system over time and may cause damage to other vehicle fittings made from rubber and plastic. This means that maintenance and servicing may be required more regularly.
Environmental impact of E10 fuel
E10 fuel has widely been regarded as a greener alternative to standard E5 petrol as it contains a 10% ethanol blend, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By blending gasoline with ethanol, a renewable biofuel, E10 will help to lower the carbon footprint of vehicles and support efforts to tackle climate change.
In addition, the production of ethanol from crops can provide economic opportunities for farmers and contribute to rural development.
However, there are challenges with ethanol production, and the introduction of E10 has been critiqued by some environmentalists. The production of ethanol requires agricultural land, water resources, and energy inputs, which increases the pressure on water resources and could decrease biodiversity.
To help protect the environment, it’s important to promote sustainable agricultural practices, develop advanced biofuels with improved production processes and invest in cleaner, more efficient vehicle technologies.
What is the difference between E10 and E5 fuel?
The main difference between E10 and E5 fuel is the amount of ethanol blended into the petrol. Ethanol is a renewable alcohol made from crops such as wheat or sugar beet, and it’s added to petrol to help reduce carbon emissions.
Ethanol content
E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol.
E5 petrol contains up to 5% ethanol.
This higher ethanol content is why E10 is considered a more environmentally friendly fuel, as it can slightly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to E5.
Vehicle compatibility
Most petrol cars manufactured from around 2011 onwards are designed to run on E10 fuel without any issues. However, some older vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, and certain small engines may not be compatible with E10. In these cases, E5 petrol should continue to be used to avoid potential damage to fuel system components.
Performance and fuel economy
E10 fuel has a slightly lower energy content than E5, which means some drivers may notice a small reduction in fuel economy. For most modern vehicles, this difference is minimal, but drivers covering long distances or managing fleets may prefer E5 for consistency and peace of mind.
Availability and cost
E10 is now the standard petrol grade at most UK fuel stations, while E5 is usually sold as a premium petrol option. E5 is typically more expensive, reflecting both its lower ethanol content and its continued availability for vehicles that require it.
Understanding the difference between E10 and E5 fuel helps drivers choose the right petrol for their vehicle, avoid compatibility issues, and make informed decisions about cost, efficiency, and environmental impact.
Availability and legislation
E10 petrol has been the standard grade petrol since 2021, so it is available at almost all petrol stations across the UK.
Some petrol stations have both E10 and E5 fuel pumps, which are beneficial for those who have vehicles that are incompatible with E10. However, E5 petrol is now charged at a premium rate and may not always be available, so drivers should check this before they need to refuel.
It’s unlikely that the Government will scrap E10 fuel as it’s now widely available and accepted as the new standard petrol for the UK. However, the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 is fast approaching, and this may lead to future legislation on E10, plus add pressure on drivers to start making the switch to alternative fuels.
Tips for E10 fuel users
If you’re using E10 fuel, there are a few actions you can take to make the most out of your fuel usage and ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle. Here are some top tips for you to consider:
Check your vehicle’s compatibility – Before using E10 fuel, we recommend that you make sure that your vehicle is compatible. New vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards should have an ‘E10’ and an ‘E5’ label near the filler cap to show the fuel they can use.
Monitor fuel efficiency – As some vehicles may experience a slight drop in fuel economy, you may need to adapt your driving behaviour and adopt hypermiling techniques to help save money on fuel.
Regular maintenance – For optimal performance, all drivers should ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained, regardless of the fuel they use. By keeping your vehicle in good condition, you can help to maintain fuel efficiency.
Storage precautions – If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period of time, you should consider adding a fuel stabiliser to prevent ethanol from breaking down and attracting moisture. Remember, E10 fuel has a shorter shelf-life than E5, so always try to use your supply before the quality decreases.
Seek professional advice – If you have any specific concerns about E10 fuel usage or encounter any issues with your vehicle’s performance, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic or contact your vehicle’s manufacturer for guidance and recommendations.
The use of E10 fuel offers advantages to both consumers and the environment. By blending 10% ethanol with 90% petrol, E10 provides a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol, while also supporting the growth of the biofuel industry and aiding local agriculture.
Adopting E10 as a standard enables the UK to cut greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, aligning with other European nations. Although E10 has certain disadvantages, its adoption is a crucial step towards cleaner transport and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
At Right Fuel Card, we help fleets save money on fuel costs and reduce administration time. We offer a variety of fuel cards, including UK Fuels, Keyfuels, and Texaco Fast Fuels.
Get in touch with our friendly team today at 0113 202 5110 to find out which fuel card best suits your business.
E10 fuel FAQs
Is E10 fuel bad for your engine?
For most drivers, no. Over 95% of petrol vehicles on UK roads are approved to use E10, including all petrol cars manufactured since 2011. Modern engines and fuel systems are designed to handle higher ethanol content without issue.
Problems are more likely to occur in older vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, and small engines that were not designed with ethanol blends in mind. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check your vehicle’s compatibility before refuelling. You may also find our guide to different fuel types and what they mean for your vehicle helpful.
Can using E10 fuel damage older vehicles?
E10 fuel can potentially cause issues in older or incompatible vehicles over time. Ethanol can absorb moisture and may degrade rubber seals, hoses, and certain metals found in older fuel systems.
Drivers of classic or specialist vehicles are usually advised to continue using E5 fuel, which has a lower ethanol content. If you manage older vehicles as part of a fleet, it’s worth reviewing best practices for vehicle maintenance and safety to reduce long-term risks.
Does E10 fuel reduce fuel economy?
Some drivers may notice a slight reduction in miles per gallon (mpg) when using E10 compared to E5. This is because ethanol contains less energy per litre than petrol.
For most everyday drivers, the difference is minimal. However, businesses running fleets or covering high mileages may want to monitor fuel usage closely. Our blog on how to improve fuel efficiency and reduce running costs explores practical ways to offset this impact.
Why is E5 fuel more expensive than E10?
E5 is now sold as a premium petrol grade in the UK. It costs more due to its lower ethanol content and reduced availability, as it is primarily kept for vehicles that cannot safely use E10.
As demand for E5 decreases over time, prices may continue to rise. Understanding the differences between standard and premium fuels can help drivers decide whether the extra cost is worthwhile.
Is E10 fuel better for the environment?
E10 is considered more environmentally friendly than E5 because it replaces more fossil fuel with renewable ethanol. This helps reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and supports the UK’s climate targets.
That said, ethanol production does have environmental trade-offs, such as land and water use. For a broader view, you may want to explore our content on sustainable motoring and reducing your vehicle’s environmental impact.
Will E10 fuel be phased out in the future?
E10 is expected to remain the standard petrol grade in the UK for the foreseeable future. However, with the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars approaching, long-term focus is shifting towards electric vehicles and alternative fuels.
Drivers and fleets planning ahead may find it useful to read our guides on future fuel options, EVs, and changes to UK motoring legislation.
