Given the recent tightening of environmental regulations, fleet managers are under constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions for ESG compliance. In this context, the introduction of E10 petrol in 2021 has added a new layer of complexity by raising questions regarding operating costs and vehicle performance.
This guide goes into what E10 petrol is, how it differs from E5, and what these changes mean for fleets so that you can make more informed decisions.
E10 petrol is the UK’s standard unleaded fuel, introduced to replace E5 at most stations. It’s a biofuel made by blending petrol with up to 10% renewable ethanol, which is a higher proportion than the 5% found in E5, as reflected by their labels.
Through increasing the bioethanol content, E10 thereby reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers overall CO2 emissions. This makes it a key part of the Government’s wider strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transport sector and so progress towards its net zero targets.
Despite the primary difference between E5 and E10 petrol being their ethanol content, this influences a range of factors in fleet management:
|
Aspect |
E5 Petrol |
E10 Petrol |
|
Environmental Impact |
Contains less renewable ethanol and therefore produces slightly higher CO2 emissions. |
Higher ethanol content makes it more sustainable with lower CO2 emissions. |
|
Cost |
More expensive, as it’s now sold as a premium fuel. |
The cheaper, standard option at UK fuel stations. |
|
Compatibility |
Suitable for almost all petrol vehicles, including older models. |
Not compatible with some older vehicles, like those manufactured before 2011. |
|
Availability |
Found mainly as a higher-octane ‘super unleaded’ grade at select stations. |
Widely available as the standard unleaded petrol nationwide. |
|
Performance |
Offers marginally better efficiency for high-performance engines. |
Results in a slight decrease in fuel economy compared with E5. |
Going from E5 to E10 petrol isn’t a matter of simply refilling vehicles with a new fuel, fleet managers need to consider how the change will affect:
E10 petrol is generally less expensive than E5, yet its slightly lower fuel efficiency offsets the savings due to how even a small reduction in mileage per litre accumulates high costs, especially for large or high-mileage fleets.
This decline in efficiency ultimately works to lessen the benefits gained from route optimisation and other methods of cost control, making ongoing monitoring and analysis essential.
Although the majority of petrol vehicles on UK roads are compatible with E10, it’s important that fleet managers confirm compatibility for every vehicle since using E10 in engines not designed to accommodate higher ethanol levels can lead to mechanical issues.
This is because ethanol is more corrosive than pure petrol, and so prolonged exposure damages components within fuel systems that haven’t been built to withstand it. This results in leaks, degraded seals, or clogged filters and injectors if loosened deposits circulate through the system.
Consequently, older vehicles in particular could experience rough idling, difficulty starting, or reduced performance due to inefficient combustion. In turn, these problems will contribute to higher fleet maintenance costs and increased downtime.
For fleets that operate across borders, it needs to be recognised that the rollout of E10 petrol is not uniform worldwide.
It’s true that many European countries have already adopted E10, though some (including Italy and Spain) have yet to implement it on a national scale or make it widely available at all petrol stations. Failing to account for these regional differences leads to complications with route planning, refuelling logistics, and vehicle compatibility when abroad.
The transition from E5 to E10 fuel implies enhanced fleet sustainability, however, adapting to this change requires sound planning to keep fleet productivity high. For instance, fleet managers must review vehicle compatibility, monitor fuel consumption, and adjust operations to make sure efficiency is maintained throughout the switch.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, our fleet management solutions paired with our expert consultancy helps you anticipate challenges, control fuel expenses, and avoid costly disruptions.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your fleet navigate its challenges, then be sure to make an enquiry into our services today.