E10 Petrol - Will it affect the car that you drive?

It is expected that from September 2021, E10 petrol will become the standard fuel sold at almost all UK forecourts.

E10 Petrol - Will it affect the car that you drive?

E10 unleaded petrol is being introduced nationwide as part of government efforts to cut down on CO2 emissions.

Current petrol grades in the UK contain up to 5% bioethanol, known as E5. The proposed E10 fuel increases the share of bioethanol to 10%.

All cars built since 2011 are compatible with E10, as are most from the late 1990s, but the government has warned that around 5% of vehicles are not. So it is important to check if your vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol. You can check this here  You simply need to know the vehicle model, engine size and the year it was manufactured.

If your vehicle won't run on E10, you will simply have to continue using E5 petrol, which will still be sold at most petrol stations. However E5 will become a 'super' grade fuel, meaning it will cost more than the E10. 

E10 petrol is expected to begin appearing at forecourts in September 2021. While we wait for the arrival of E10 petrol in the UK, drivers are advised to take care when filling up with fuel in France or Germany (if we are ever allowed to go there). Although the pumps are clearly labelled, it’s important to double-check before filling up.

If you would like further details about E10 petrol, please visit the Government website here