020 8805 7799
or 0344 620 1000

Vehicle Fuel Change Will Cut Carbon

The ‘All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Bioethanol’ (APPGBB) have launched a UK campaign for the introduction of E10 fuel, this is a grade of fuel consisting of 90% petrol and 10% ethanol.

Petrol PumpsAPPGBB is a lobby group made up of MPs from different political parties. Although E10 is commonly seen at petrol pumps in France and Germany, it is not on sale in the UK because it exceeds the maximum permitted amount of ethanol in fuel.

Recent controversy surrounding diesel emissions has led to a rise in sales of petrol vehicles which have increased carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the APPGBB, a switch to E10 fuel would significantly lower carbon emissions to the same effect as reducing the number of cars on the road by 700,000!

E10 is perceived as a greener fuel and the ethanol content is provided by the bioethanol produced from crops including sugar beet and wheat. As plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, growing crops for biofuels is seen to offset vehicle emissions.

The introduction of E10 would provide a welcome boost for the UK’s biofuel industry and motor trade, therefore strengthening the economy and ensuring more jobs for workers.

Emission targets for the UK include a requirement for 10% of transport energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, E10 would make a significant contribution towards this.

The Department of Transport stated, they’re still examining the evidence surrounding E10 fuel as part of their commitment to cleaner environmentally friendly fuels; and will publish a consultation on the introduction in due course.

Get a quote on your Motor Trade Insurance today

Motor trade insurance quote


There are also some disadvantages of switching over to E10 fuel. Although most new and used cars sold in the UK since 2011 must be compatible with E10, not every vehicle can use it. Fuel economy may also be slightly reduced, especially in smaller cars.

There are also claims that E10 is less stable than regular unleaded petrol, which many workers in the motor trade will already know means it makes it difficult to start a vehicle which has stood unused for a while.

The type of fuel you use is unlikely to affect private or motor trade insurance policy and the choice will be a matter of consumer preference, probably depending on factors like pump prices and the vehicle performance on different fuels.

But it is highly likely we will see E10 at our petrol pumps alongside unleaded fuel soon offering all motorists the choice, but it’s recommended you check with the manufacturer your vehicle can run on E10 before trying it out.