E10 petrol to be rolled out in NI this November
E10 petrol becomes the standard fuel mix in Northern Ireland from 1 November, following its introduction at filling stations in England, Scotland and Wales in September 2021.
The move from E5 to E10, which contains up to 10 per cent bioethanol rather than up to five per cent, is designed to reduce CO2 emissions. The Government estimates the saving could be up to 750,000 tonnes a year – a figure the equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road.
However, E10 petrol can slightly reduce fuel economy, by around one per cent, and not every car is compatible.
The Government suggests that means almost all (95 per cent) of petrol-powered vehicles on the road today can use E10 petrol.
Classic and older vehicles, some specific models (particularly those from the early 2000s) and some mopeds (particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under) may not be compatible with E10 petrol.
Drivers whose vehicle isn’t able to use E10 fuel will still be able to use E5 by purchasing the ‘super’ grade (97+ octane) petrol from most filling stations.
E10 petrol is already widely used around the world, including across Europe, the US and Australia. It has also been the reference fuel against which new cars are tested for emissions and performance since 2016.
