E10 is coming in 2012

Gordon Hesketh-Jones spotted this report from the motor magazine Auto Express.

For useful background information on the biofuels and classic cars, see the FBHVC website. More

What is the FBHVC?
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs(FBHVC) is a grouping of almost 500 Clubs and Museums together with some 1500 Trade and Individual Supporters. The aim of the FBHVC is to uphold the freedom to use old vehicles on the roads without any undue restriction and to support its member organisations in whatever way it can.
FBHVC website


What are the concerns with biofuel for MG enthusiasts?
See our gateway to biofuel information available on the V8 website. More



Coming soon - we have an article coming up for publication in the January 2012 issue of the Club magazine on the problems with ethanol in classic cars, what damage has been seen with SU fuel system components and what alternative materials have been used for replacement parts? The article follows a recent meeting with Burlen the owners of SU carburettors in Wiltshire.






Posted: 221111

Back to homepage
A recent report in motoring magazine AutoExpress says "at least one million motorists could be forced to buy premium fuel from next year - paying an average 8p per litre more at the pumps - as the UK Government prepares to increase the biofuel content in regular unleaded." At present petrol on sale in the UK contains up to five per cent ethanol, known as E5, which is safe to use in most cars but in 2012 it is likely to be replaced by E10 containing 10% ethanol - a blend the Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledges is not suitable for most pre 1993 cars and many newer models too.

Auto Express report that "a
DfT statement said the use of E10 shouldn't affect the operation of modern cars "with the exception of direct-injection vehicles". However, it added: "older carburetted cars are unlikely to be compatible with ethanol in excess of five per cent." Limited space on filling station forecourts is being blamed for the removal of standard unleaded petrol, which would be forced out if the new eco-friendly fuel gets the Government green light."

The report adds that BP and Tesco have already confirmed to Auto Express that an owner with an older car which cannot use E10 would be restricted to buying super unleaded grades of fuel on their forecourts as they will continue to be E5 fuels. They add a Tesco spokesman had told Auto Express that their "premium unleaded, Momentum 99, would then be our E5 fuel."

The AA has warned that the introduction of E10, which is being driven by an EU directive, will hit cash-strapped motorists driving older cars hardest. It advised owners to check their car's E10 compatibility with the manufacturer. The number of motorists affected by this change to E10 is larger than many might realise - DfT figures show there were more than 700,000 vehicles on the road last year with 1993 or older registration marks.
So it is not just classic MG enthusiasts who face this problem.

An EU Directive requires that EU Member States ensure that supplies of 5% ethanol content petrol are maintained until 2013. This is intended to support the operation of older cars some of which are not compatible with 10% ethanol content. Presumably they assume older cars will have all gone by 2013 - or their owners!

Two daily MGV8 users report they are already using Shell V Power, their super grade, in their MGBGTV8s. Both Gordon Hesketh-Jones and Howard Gosling report smoother running and a noticeable improvement in mpg on Shell V Power. On the other hand Bob Owen reports a less favourable experience with super grade fuel in his MGBGTV8.

See the Auto Express report on their website. More
V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for MG V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net