UK petrol stations to begin selling E10 fuel this year

THE Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that UK petrol stations will begin to sell a more eco-friendly type of E10 fuel from as early as September this year.

The new fuel uses 90 per cent petrol and 10 per cent bioethanol and is being touted as being capable of reducing the UK's road emissions of carbon dioxide by as much as 750,000 tonnes a year.

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The ethanol in the new fuel is made from low-grade grains, sugars, and waste wood, and is said to be helping to secure 100 jobs and the reopening of AB Sugar’s Vivergo plant.

While the news will be music to the ears of carbon emissions campaigners, to those who own classic motorcycles, the move will be less welcoming. The high ethanol blend has been blamed for damage to bikes of a certain age, with rubber and metal parts of the fuel system seeming to come under attack from the modern-day fuel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“We’re going further and faster than ever to cut emissions from our roads, cleaning up our air as we accelerate towards a zero-emission transport future.

“Although more and more motorists are driving electric vehicles, there are steps we can take to reduce emissions from the millions of vehicles already on our roads – the small switch to E10 petrol will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey, as we build back greener.”

Because of the risk to some classic and older vehicles, E5 grade petrol will still be available, and known as ‘Super’ grade. If you are worried you can use the E10 compatibility checker to see if your bike or car is compatible.