Lower-carbon E10 petrol is set to be introduced as standard at UK filling stations in 2021 under new government plans.
The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on switching petrol grades from E5, which has up to five per cent bioethanol, to E10 with up to ten per cent bioethanol.
It claims the move would reduce the average CO2 emissions of a petrol vehicle by two per cent compared with E5 fuel.
In total, it could reduce CO2 transport emotions by 750,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of 350,000 cars.
Related: Solution for possible E10 petrol switch already available, Lucas Oil says
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “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.
“But before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today.
“This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol at ten per cent will help drivers across country reduce the environmental impact of every journey.”
Around 700,000 older cars still used on UK roads would be unable to run on E10 fuel, according to government figures, but it predicts that a significant number of those will be scrapped by the time the switch is introduced in 2021.
For “classic and cherished” older vehicles, the government proposes that higher-octane ‘Super’ fuel will continue to be made to E5 standards while E10 becomes the default for ‘Premium’ grade 95 octane fuel.
E10 petrol is currently standard in a number of countries, including France and Germany.
The plans are subject to the public consultation which closes on 19 April 2020.
Share your comments below.
Home Page › Forums › Government set to make E10 petrol switch in 2021