E10 Fuel: What is it?

From hybrid cars to fuel efficient systems, the motoring industry is taking noticeable steps towards more environmentally friendly practices, and another of these has recently been introduced to Britain.

E10, a new ‘greener’ fuel, has recently been introduced to petrol station forecourts across the country, so-called because it contains around 10% bio-ethanol. The fuel was designed with the environment in mind, and can supposedly cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60%.

Since the change to the British Standard for petrol [EN228] in March 2013, it has been legal for companies to sell fuel in the UK with higher ethanol levels than was previously permitted, although the vast majority stuck with the 5% rate seen in unleaded petrol, known as E5.

E10, by comparison, is in line with EU targets for 10% of all road traffic to be running on renewable energy sources, as well as giving the fuel suppliers the chance to meet their Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation of providing bio-fuels for at least 4.75% of their stock.

So far, so green.

However, E10 is not widely available at pumps around the country, and What Car? think they may know why. A ‘real world’ investigation carried out by the magazine’s consumer section showed one great flaw in the use of ethanol-heavy fuels, and expressed concern that vehicle owners were not being given the full story when it comes to how the new fuels will affect them.

Although E10’s reduction in emissions is undeniably advantageous, the testing discovered that average fuel consumption of vehicles running on the fuel (compared with standard unleaded petrol) increased by 8.4%, with smaller engine cars favoured by cost-conscious drivers faring the worst.

The reason for this is that ethanol provides 30% less energy than petrol, drastically reducing the vehicle’s fuel economy, and will affect both the performance of the car over longer periods of time and the pocket of the driver.

The potential for the damaging effects that ethanol can create on the internal components of the vehicle must also be considered. Blockages to fuel pumps, hose filters and fuel injectors are possible, as the solvent properties of the substance could cause current deposits to become loose.

Similarly, there are CO² concerns surrounding the introduction of ethanol-based fuels on a big scale, as the deforestation necessary to create the bio-fuels will nullify any carbon emission reductions seen by use of E10 – not to mention the taking over of land used for food production, which will not help the food poverty crisis.

The extra costs could have an impact in other areas, as would any increase in fuel prices. The added expense of transporting goods around the country could have a knock-on effect for consumers at the tills, while car hire prices may also be altered accordingly.

For those looking for long term vehicle hire in the London and surrounding areas without the additional costs imposed by E10 fuel, Gatwick Car & Van Rental provide the best solution. Our hire deals start from just £7 a day, and our wide range of new and efficient vehicles stretches from cars to vans and even to tipper trucks!

Book online today, or get in touch for more information.