The Department for Transport has announced that the standard grade for petrol in England, Scotland and Wales will become E10 from this summer.
E10 contains up to 10% renewable ethanol, which the UK government says will help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles as it attempts to meet its climate targets of net zero by 2050.
The current grade for petrol contains up to 5% renewable ethanol, known as E5.
The policy change does not impact vehicles powered by diesel or other means.
Ethanol is a colourless alcohol made from sugar fermentation that can absorb CO2 as it is produced.
But not all vehicles are compatible with the new fuel type, with an estimated 5% of petrol-powered cars on the roads today unable to use it.
All new cars made since 2011 – and most since the late 1990s – are compatible with E10.
Those that may not be compatible include:
- Classic, cherished and older vehicles
- Specific models, particularly from the early 2000s
- Some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc and below
You can check whether your vehicle is compatible with E10 using the government's online checker.
If you cannot use E10, E5 will remain available at larger fuel stations, labelled as 'super' grade (97+ octane).
If you mistakenly put E10 in a non-compatible vehicle, continue as usual and just fill up with E5 next time. A single tank of E10 should not be a "major problem", according to official advice.
E10 and E5 fuels can be mixed safely in the case of, for example, a fuel station running out of your preferred fuel.
Pumps will be clearly labelled to differentiate between the petrol types as the new grade is rolled out across Great Britain.
More information about the changes can be found on the government's website.
