UK – E10 fuel changes will affect a ‘good slice of vehicles’

[UK Sentinel]

E10 FUEL changes will cause an “expedition of problems” for motorists including damage to “hidden components” according to petrol station experts at Suresite.

It’s estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking up to 350,000 cars off the road.

The experts warned people need to know about the new changes which they say “will affect a “good slice of vehicles” being used today. The new petrol will be introduced in forecourts for September with experts from the RAC and DfT warning many older vehicles will not be compatible.

What parts will be affected by E10 fuel changes?

In short, no. As many as 600,000 vehicles on our roads in 2020 aren’t compatible with E10.

Drivers are advised to contact car manufacturers with any questions surrounding their specific vehicle. For example, Vauxhall says “E10 fuel can be used in all petrol-engine Vauxhall vehicles except models with the 2.2-litre direct-injection petrol engine (code Z22YH) used in Vectra, Signum and Zafira.”

As a rule, drivers of cars registered prior to 2002 are advised not to use E10 in their vehicle, as problems have been reported. And as of 2011, all new cars sold in the UK must be E10 compatible.

This is due to the ethanol component in E10 carrying more water by volume. The water present in this fuel can cause corrosion on engine or fuel system parts, and can cause a build up of engine residues.

Some cars that are compatible with 5 per cent ethanol are not necessarily also compatible with E10, so caution must be taken when referring to the car’s fuel requirements. Many European vehicles, turbocharged, or performance vehicles require a minimum octane rating of 95 or 98 and should not be refuled with E10, 91 or 94 fuel grades.

What is E10 fuel?
E10 is a biofuel made up of 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol – hence the E10 name.

Standard unleaded fuel contains up to 5% ethanol and can be used in any petrol-engined car without problems or the need for modification.

Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from the fermentation of a range of plants, including sugarcane and grains, along with their by-products.

Unlike regular unleaded petrol, ethanol fuel is said to be partially atmospherically carbon-neutral. This is because as the plants that will become biofuel grow, they reportedly absorb more carbon dioxide than what will be released into the air during fuel production and combustion.

When will E10 be introduced in the UK?
Following a recent announcement in February 2020, plans are afoot for E10 fuel to become the standard grade at forecourts across the country as early as 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, Germany or Finland. Although the pumps are clearly labelled, it’s important to double-check before filling up.

 

 

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1423993/e10-fuel-changes-petrol-updates-classic-car-parts-damage

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[UK Sentinel]

Gov.UK have created a handy page that will help you check if your vehicle will be effected by the new E10 Petrol fuel change.

Note: Diesels are not effected

https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol

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