E10 Petrol: What Do We Need To Know

Standard petrol has changed in Great Britain.  From September 2021 E10 petrol, a more sustainable type of petrol, will be available as the default choice at fuel stations across the country. What does this mean for us when it comes to filling up in the future?

What is E10 petrol?

E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions associated with petrol vehicles. Currently, the standard petrol in the UK is E5 which contains up to 5% renewable ethanol. E10 is not a new thing it is already widely used around the world including across Europe, the US and Australia. It has also been the fuel vehicle manufacturers have referenced to when testing for emissions and performance since 2016.

Will it affect your vehicle’s performance?

Using E10 can slightly reduce fuel economy. You may see a small reduction of around 1% but this is unlikely to be a noticeable impact in everyday driving.

Is your car compatible?

The majority of petrol vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 petrol but there are a few exceptions. All new cars manufactured since 2011 are compatible with E10. Mercedes-Benz: E10 is cleared for use in the majority of Mercedes-Benz vehicles with petrol engines. However this does not include:

• First generation direct injection C200 CGI (W203), CLK 200 CGI series (C209) of the years 2002 – 2005;
• Models not equipped with three-way catalysts, models retrofitted with three-way catalysts or produced with a carburettor. These are mainly vehicles more than 25 years old.

smart: E10 petrol is cleared for use in all petrol engine smart vehicles.

What to do if your car is not compatible?

Continue to use E5 petrol in the ‘super’ grade, which will remain available at many larger filling stations. Just be sure you check the label before you fill up.

What about mixing E10 and E5 petrol:

Your car won’t be impacted whilst you move across to E10 and have to mix with E5 temporarily. It is also perfectly safe to mix them in the same tank or fill up with E5 if E10 is not available.

Do you have a question about whether your vehicle will be affected by the change to E10 petrol? Take a look at the Gov.UK website to check if your vehicle is eligible.