What E10 is

E10 petrol is a motor fuel that contains more bioethanol and, therefore, less fossil carbon than petrol.

Bioethanol is a type of alcohol that can be manufactured from plant waste such as from sugar beet and wheat.

Increasing the bioethanol blend in petrol up to 10% will bring Ireland in line with most European countries and most of the UK, where E10 petrol is already the standard petrol that is sold.

Currently, most petrol sold in Ireland is labelled E5, corresponding to the 5% bioethanol that it is blended with. Some forecourts also supply ‘super unleaded’ petrol, which also contains bioethanol to 5% and some other additives to improve performance.

The move to E10 petrol supply will be supported by regulations specifying a minimum percentage ethanol in petrol. Nearly all petrol cars on Irish roads were designed and certified to perform using E10 petrol and EU engine emissions tests are referenced on E10 petrol. You can read more on this here.

The increase in bioethanol in petrol to E10 is one of several measures towards achievement of 51% reduction in transport carbon emissions by 2030, as set out in the climate action plan, as well as measures for active and public modes of travel and electric and alternative technologies for transport.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21) contains a target to raise the blend proportion of biofuels in road transport to at least B20 (biodiesel) in diesel and E10 (Ethanol) in petrol as part of the measures to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

The Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement sets out a roadmap for the supply of renewable fuel for transport use, including proposed incentive for increased ethanol supply in petrol up to E10 subject to legislation by 2023. Moving to E10 delivers an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet. There is no need to adapt petrol cars to use E10 and to take advantage of the benefits of this lower-carbon fuel.

Since 2009, E10 petrol as standard has been rolled out across Europe and is widely available in at over 15 European countries. The new regulations will ensure Ireland’s petrol supply will now align with standard petrol supplied in Northern Ireland since last year, and in Great Britain since 2021. Some older vehicles pre-2011 (predominantly pre-2003/pre-EURO V standard), were not manufactured with certification for E10 use, but it does not mean they cannot use E10. In countries where E10 and higher ethanol blends are used widely, such as in the US, there is no evidence of issues. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards.

Information concerning individual vehicle types can be obtained in operating manuals, information on vehicle’s manufacturer websites, or inside the fuel cap (on newer vehicles). The European manufacturers association provides a regularly updated list of vehicles on their website www.acea.auto and the UK.gov car compatibility checker tool at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol may also be useful as a reference.

It is planned to introduce regulations on 1 April to introduce a minimum percentage of ethanol in petrol with effect from 1 July 2023. The regulations will only apply to petrol and will not affect diesel.

Some fuel suppliers and forecourts will start to introduce the higher ethanol blend from May in line with the regular seasonal switch from summer to winter petrol specification. Those who do must display the E10 symbol at the pump as currently required under EU guidance.

The introduction of E10 is within the context of a planned annual increase in biofuel blending obligations on fuel suppliers, as set out in the Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy to meet Climate Action Plan targets.

All petrol-powered vehicles on the road today in Ireland can use E10 petrol.

While most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are designed for sustained use of E10, this may not be the case for all, for example:

• classic vehicles
• some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s
• some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under
• certain gardening, marine or aviation equipment, engines or generators

Further information on your vehicle or equipment manual or obtained from your vehicle or equipment manufacturer. Newer vehicles may also contain information on the recommended fuel to use inside the fuel cap. All vehicle owners and operators are required to maintain their vehicles to operating and roadworthy standards.

Information concerning individual vehicle types can be obtained in operating manuals, information on vehicle’s manufacturer websites, or inside the fuel cap (on newer vehicles). The European manufacturers association provides a regularly updated list of vehicles on their website www.acea.auto and the UK.gov car compatibility checker tool at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol may also be useful as a reference.

Car manufacturers and recent research indicate drivers may notice a slight increase (1-2%) in fuel consumption with the use of E10 petrol, this is due to the lower energy content of bioethanol compared to the fossil fuel equivalent petrol. Other factors such as driving style, driving with under-inflated tyres or a roof rack have a much more significant impact on fuel economy than using E10 petrol.

It is understood that there are a number of products available such as ‘ethanol protection’ additives which can be used in older vehicles and machinery (please contact the vehicle or equipment manufacturer for advice).

In the case of older or classic cars, over the long term, there may be conversion services available for low-cost replacement of engine pipes or valves. Please check with your vehicle manufacturer or local dealership or garage if you have concerns about this.

Suppliers are required to identify the grade of bioethanol in petrol supplied at the pump. Currently, petrol pumps display the E5 symbol. This label will change to E10 as part of the move to E10 petrol so that you can check the label before you fill-up.

It is safe to mix E10 and E5 petrol in the same tank, or to fill up with E5 if E10 petrol is not available. Just remember to fill up with E10 the next time.

If you have concerns about this check with your vehicle manufacturer or local dealership or garage.