E10

All petrol sold in the EU has already contained up to 5% ethanol (E5)  for a number of years. This does not cause any problems in terms of drivability. Questions have arisen around increasing the ethanol percentage of fuel by up to 10% (E10). This section provides answers to the most common questions about E10.

What is E10?

E10 is a fuel for petrol-driven cars consisting of up to 10% ethanol and the rest normal petrol. The “E” stands for ethanol and the “10” stands for the maximum percentage of ethanol content. Ethanol is alcohol, which is obtained through the fermentation and distillation of renewable feedstock such as grains, sugar beet or straw. It can be used safely in most of today’s petrol cars. Click here to find out more.

Why should I use E10?

European-produced E10 helps to fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the transport sector. As the ethanol component of E10 fuel is produced from biomass, its use is environmentally beneficial - as it is produced from crops that absorb atmospheric CO2 when they grow. E10 also contributes towards domestic energy security in Europe by decreasing Europe’s dependence on foreign oil imports. Furthermore, the production of ethanol creates thousands of jobs in Europe, mainly in rural areas.

What countries use E10?

E10 has been available in countries such as France and recently Finland, Spain and Germany.  Also it is being used in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. In Brazil the percentage of ethanol used in petrol can be even as high as 25%. In France E10 has been sold since April 2009 and the current market share is 17.6%. In the USA E10 has been used for many years now and they are now moving towards E15.

Can I use E10 in my car?

E10 can be used in about 90% of all petrol-driven cars used in Europe. In principle, new petrol-driven cars are all compatible with E10. If you are not certain look in the manual of your car or contact your car dealer. Click here to find out more.

How will I recognize E10?

European law requires that everywhere in the EU fuel with 10% ethanol is clearly labeled. At the petrol pump for E10 the name of the type of fuel will be displayed with the add-on “E10”. For example, in Germany it is referred to as “Super E10” and in France “Super Carburant SP95-E10". With E5, the pump only shows the name of the type of petrol without any add-on.

Does E10 lead to higher fuel consumption?

A recent study by the VTT in Finland has shown that there is no difference in car fuel consumption between E10 and E5 petrol grades.

Would it not be better to use more fuel-efficient cars instead of E10?

It is not either or, as the measures are not mutually exclusive. Both tools are important in order to decrease fossil fuel use in the transport sector. However, for the existing fleet using renewable energy, such as E10, is the best way to reduce fossil fuel use.

Is the ethanol used for E10 sustainable?

Yes, because all ethanol used for transport needs to fulfill the sustainability requirements as laid down in the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28). Evidence needs to be submitted to EU and Member State authorities that certifies that the ethanol is produced in a sustainable way. Click here to find out more.

Can E10 be mixed with other petrol?

If your car is suitable for driving on E10 it can also use any other petrol. Mixing the various petrols doesn’t have any negative consequences for your car.

What if I use (by accident) E10 in a non-suitable car?

As long as it happens incidentally no technical problems should occur.

Will E10 be the only fuel available on the market for petrol-driven cars?

No. EU law guarantees the availability of E5 and/or other alternatives, for e.g. older petrol-driven cars, until at least 2013. It will then be up to the Member States to decide whether to offer non-E10 petrol on the market for a longer period. Still, ePURE believes that after 2013 alternatives to E10 will be still be available in all Member States for use in older cars.

Where can I find out more information?

You can obtain information about E10 on the Internet from the websites listed below.  Also, you can contact us at info@epure.org.