Hundreds of thousands of drivers have been warned that their car is not compatible with the new greener E10 petrol, which has replaced E5 as the standard unleaded fuel across most UK garages from today. The change is part of government plans to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol, double the amount found in E5. While accidentally using E10 once is unlikely to cause immediate damage, repeated use could harm seals, plastics, and metals due to its corrosive properties. The RAC estimates that around 700,000 older vehicles should not use E10 and must instead opt for more expensive E5 super unleaded.
All cars made after 2011 should be fine with E10, as well as most vehicles from the late 1990s. Drivers can check compatibility on the Gov.uk website. A list by manufacturer shows that models from Alfa Romeo (from 2011), Audi (except some older models), Bentley (post-2010, except Mulsanne), BMW (all petrol engines), Chevrolet (from 2006), Chrysler (various models), and others are compatible. However, owners of older vehicles should continue using E5.
