Cover story

SUSTAINABILITY: FORECOURTS

Fuelling a greener future

E10 petrol available at pumps from 1 September

Fuel pumps across Great Britain are now more environmentally friendly following the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol.

E10 contains up to 10% bioethanol, replacing E5 which has up to 5%, and is being introduced to cut carbon dioxide emissions. It has been estimated that the switch to E10 will cut CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year, or the equivalent of taking 350,000 vehicles off the road, and is part of the government’s 2050 net zero carbon target.

All petrol vehicles built since 2011 are compatible with E10 (more than 95% of all petrol vehicles), but a small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, can still access E5 petrol in the ‘Super’ grade. Motorists need to use the government’s free online E10 checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

ALMOST UNNOTICEABLE

E10 is not expected to be more expensive at the pump than current standard petrol, as the higher cost of bioethanol has already been included in the wholesale price of the fuel for some time. Although it can marginally impact fuel economy – generally around 1% – this will be almost unnoticeable to most drivers when making every day journeys.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “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.”

A public education campaign was launched in June ahead of the introduction of E10. At the time, Transport Minister

Rachel Maclean, said: “This campaign will not only make drivers aware of the changes we’re making, but will also show millions of motorists how E10 introduction plays a part in helping reduce carbon emissionsl.”

ENDORSEMENT

The campaign was endorsed by the Petrol Retailers Association. Technical Director, Phil Monger, said at the time: “To ensure motorists are well-aware of the suitability of the new fuel for their vehicles by 1 September 2021, we have undertaken a publicity campaign using radio, social media and press results.

“This work highlighted the government portal and other vehicle checkers where the public could find out this information. The campaign will reduce the number of motorists that turn up at a forecourt unaware of the changes come the official launch of E10.”

However, on launch day RAC research revealed more than a quarter of drivers (27%) are yet to check whether their car is compatible with new E10 petrol, with a similar proportion (24%) unaware that the new fuel is being introduced to replace E5 as the standard grade of unleaded petrol.

In addition, the research found that drivers who know their main car is not compatible with the new E10 fuel, the impact of the cost of having to fill up with super unleaded instead – which can cost around 12p more per litre than standard unleaded – is the single biggest concern. Around half (53%) are worried about finding forecourts that sell E5 super unleaded, while 20% fear mistakenly filling up with E10 – something that may cause expensive damage to non-compliant vehicles.

Edmund King, AA President, advised: “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.”

E10 is currently unavailable in Northern Ireland, but is due to arrive there in early 2022.