September hails the introduction of a new standard fuel type, called E10. This greener fuel type expends less CO2 and could reduce emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes per year.

This huge benefit for the environment may come at a cost for some drivers, as not all vehicles are compatible - in fact, 300,000 cars on UK roads won’t be able to take the new petrol.

Here, we will delve into the facts about E10 fuel and whether your car will be compatible.

What is E10 fuel?

CO2 emissions from cars equate to around 38 million tonnes. Taken all together, this roughly works out to around 0.158kg of toxic gas for every mile a car drives in the UK.

The petrol we use on a daily basis contains up to 5% bioethanol – which is a renewable energy source that comes from various agricultural feedstocks like sugarcane, hemp, and corn. E10 fuel will increase the bioethanol content by a further 5%. The name E10 refers to the 10% of bioethanol, with the other 90% being regular unleaded.

What are the benefits of E10 fuel?

This eco-friendlier fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes, which is comparable with taking 350,000 cars off the road. This will help the UK reach its emissions targets which; the government aims to be at net zero for greenhouse gas production. Whilst this is an admirable target and a step towards a better environment, it may spell danger for certain drivers as compatibility becomes an issue.

Will your car be compatible?

With any advancement in driving legislation and technology, the question of compatibility rises. It is thought that 95% of cars of UK roads will be unaffected, however this does still mean that up to 600,000 will not be able to use it. So, how can you tell if yours is ok to fill up with E10?

The general rule is that cars registered before 2002 should not use E10 fuel, and all those made after 2011 must be E10 compatible. This rule is not exhaustive, however, and there are some caveats that need to be considered.

Are there a lot of exclusions?

Car manufacturers will have information available for specific models, including any exclusions – and there are quite a few. For example, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) states that BMWs can use E10 fuel but not every marque. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz models can use the new fuel, except the CLK 200 CGI and the C200 CGI that was made between 2002 and 2005. These kinds of exclusions can be confusing for drivers. However, it will be mandatory to label pumps that have E10 fuel to help reduce the chances of misfuelling.

What about classic cars?

The introduction of E10 fuel will be particularly important for owners of classic cars, which will be almost universally incompatible. Due to the increased water content in E10, classic cars are vulnerable to the corrosive properties of bioethanol fuel. The worry for many owners is that there will be a lack of suitable fuel after E10 is brought in this September.

The government has guaranteed that they have a supply of E5 fuel (the current standard) for older cars so they can keep moving in the interim. How long this supply will be available, and how much more it may cost to fill up, remain in question.

What will happen if you use E10 fuel in an incompatible car?

It won’t be the end of the world if you accidentally put E10 in your classic car, however using it over time can wreak havoc on certain parts of your vehicle. Due to E10’s high water content, condensation can appear in fuel tanks and fuel lines, which itself can cause corrosion of metal elements. Department of Transport tests showed degradation to other parts as well, such as fuel hoses, seals, pumps, and filters etc.

As long as you switch back to E5 on your next trip to the petrol station, you shouldn’t see any lasting damage to your car or engine.