The new environmentally friendly E10 fuel may come with 'worse problems' for drivers, experts have warned.
E10 launched in September with a higher percentage of renewable fuel - bioethanol - meaning it's better for the environment due to lower levels of carbon emission.
Many newer cars prefer the greener blend to the standard E5 version that we are used to, The Daily Record reports.
But some drivers have reported issues with the fuel with motoring YouTube channel Number 27 highlighting an issue that could affect a lot road users.
E10 is less "energy dense" so drivers may have to use more to cover similar distances, reports The Express.
As such drivers may have to top up more often, leading to extra costs.
Jack, Number 27's founder, said: “E10 actually causes an increase in fuel consumption for any car that's using it. Ethanol is actually less energy-dense than Unleaded fuel.
“So that means that because it has this lower energy density you have to use more and therefore your fuel consumption in your car will go up.
“You’re not going to lose any power because your car's computer will alter the air-fuel balance to make up for that loss of energy density.
“But your fuel consumption will go up. I really couldn't believe it."
The Department for Transport's Introducing E10 petrol study confirmed drivers would experience lower fuel economy under the new E10 grade.
They confirmed fuel economy may drop by up to two percent using the new compound.
But they said this was ultimately down to the “driving style” of motorists.
The revelation came after concerns were raised by a quarter of private individuals in relation to fuel economy in the consultation.
Drivers questioned about the changes warned this could “mitigate emissions benefits” and could have a “cost impact”.
The DfT said: “We have considered the impact on fuel economy and decreasing MPG, which is due to the lower energy density of ethanol compared with fossil petrol, when developing our proposals.
According to the RAC, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) claims the energy content of ethanol is around 33 percent lower than Unleaded.
This means vehicle fuel economy may reduce by around three percent when using the new fuel.
A number of drivers have reported suffering from fuel efficiency problems when using the new fuel.
Some motorists have even complained of receiving up to 4mpg less since the changes.
