UK plans greener E10 petrol to become standard in 2021

The United Kingdom Government is consulting to introduce a more eco-friendly fuel as the standard offering at forecourts from next year.

A greener fuel made up of 10% bioethanol could become the standard offering at forecourts in the United Kindom from 2021 under government plans, report several outlets. The proposal follows news that the UK Government is planning to phase out new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035.

Regular petrol currently sold at forecourts in the UK is E5, containing up to 5% bioethanol.

The switch to E10 could reduce transport carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year, equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

"The next 15 years will be absolutely crucial for slashing emissions from our roads as we all start to feel the benefits of the transition to a zero emission future,”, said Transport secretary, Grant Shapps. “But before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today. This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey," he added.

Although most of the vehicles driving on UK roads today are E10 fuelled-approved, there are around 700,000 cars (3% of the total), which are not compatible with the new fuel - "older, everyday run-arounds owned by those on lower incomes," said director of the RAC Foundation, Steve Gooding.

If the switch took place, E5 would still be available in the higher octane "super" grade.

E10 petrol is widely use in other European countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.