Update on the early introduction of E10 petrol in the UK in 2013

See the latest FBHVC newsletter. More

At the end of June the motor fuel specialist at FBHVC, Matthew Vincent, attended a meeting at the British Standards Institute to discuss petrol labelling. There were a number of points of particular interest to member organisations and their historic and classic car members.
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The earlier introduction of E10 discussed at the BSI meeting "appears to contradict statements made by the DfT earlier in 2012". More


Can I see more on biofuels?
See our Information Gateway on biofuels. More


Biofuel terminology
The terms E5 and E10 refer to the proportion of ethanol in the motor fuel sold at filling stations.


What is the FBHVC?

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is a grouping of historic vehicle clubs and museums together with some trade and Individual Supporters.
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Posted: 121001

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Introduction of E10 petrol in the UK
In its latest newsletter the FBHVC says "the Federation and and member clubs have previously been led to believe that the widespread introduction of E10 fuel was unlikely before 2015. However, following a recent stakeholder meeting at the Department for
Transport it does seem that this has changed and E10 could be with us as early as 2013. The BSI committee (the Federation has a representative on this committee) is working on the E10 fuel specification for the UK which is expected to be in place by the end of 2012 and fuel retailers are to be given guidance over the introduction of E10 petrol. There is currently no planned national roll-out for E10 and not all fuel terminals have ethanol blending facilities, so a piecemeal introduction of E10 can be expected.

A DfT vehicle compatibility working group will be compiling a list of modern E10 compatible vehicles and this should be in place by early September. There is also a working group subset which is concerned with classic or historic vehicles, including motorcycles, to which the Federation is invited.

We are already well aware that E10 is not suitable for historic vehicles, unless steps have been taken to proof fuel systems for this blend. Members should be aware that E10 may start to penetrate the UK retail fuel market early in 2013, and they should avoid it unless they have adopted measures to ensure compatibility with E10 petrol. Pumps selling this fuel will be clearly labelled E10, and also will carry a warning message. It should also be noted that super grade petrol will continue to be the 'protection grade' and will not have more than 5% ethanol."

As we noted from an earlier DfT stakeholder meeting, in many cases the premium 97 grade does not have enthanol but it does depend on which refinery supplies individual filling stations.

Leaded petrol
A list of garages selling leaded fuel can found on the FBHVC website: www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuel-information This list has recently been updated and there are now very few places left to fill up with leaded petrol. The list is laid out in post code order.

Dawson Engineering (Burley) Ltd
BH24 4EB


Maple Garage
HU11 4NA


Redhall Garage Ltd
LE67 8HG


R E Mills Motor Engineers
LE7 7NU

Renlut Properties Limited
LL12 8DY

Stoke Row Garage
RG9 5QL

Park End Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd
SE13 6TR

Platts of Marlow
SL7 2NJ


H J Taylor
WR12 7PL


Labelling for E10
The labelling for E10 was discussed in detail at the BSI meeting and it was agreed that the code 'E10' would feature prominently on the label, being given the same size lettering (15mm) as the words 'Unleaded Petrol' and the octane rating (95). The warning to motorists about the suitability or otherwise of the fuel will use smaller lettering (10mm), but should still be clearly visible. Despite apparent agreement at a previous meeting of a different format, the form of wording shown below was adopted: 'Not suitable for all vehicles. Consult vehicle manufacturer before use'. This might in theory cause some logistical problems for owners of historic vehicles whose manufacturers no longer exist, but in reality, unless actions are taken by owners to proof their fuel systems against the effects of E10, then it should be regarded as unsuitable for any historic vehicle.

Unleaded petrol containing up to 5% ethanol will not need to be labelled, but if the ethanol content rises above 5%, the fuel must be labelled. If the label on the petrol pump does not include the code 'E10', then the fuel should contain no more than 5% ethanol. So in effect there is a "by default non labelling" on E5!

Volatility issues

The proposed volatility limits of petrol containing 10% ethanol (E10) in the revised European specification are likely to be agreed later this year. The inclusion of 10% ethanol will be accompanied by an increase in the permitted upper limit of volatility. Although the change is small, in effect it means that petrol with 10% ethanol will be more volatile than existing petrol containing no ethanol, or with 5% ethanol in a blend. This change will not assist owners of historic vehicles fitted with carburettors, but there has already been significant discussion about in-situ alterations for vehicles suffering from vapour lock in hot weather. The arrival of E10 will probably require a renewed awareness of modifications as attempt to remedy volatility related issues. Full details about this are already on the FBHVC website.
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