Standard grade 95 octane petrol became E10 in Great Britain in September 2021 and in Northern Ireland in November 2022. These changes apply to petrol only. Diesel fuel has not changed. Almost all 95 petrol-powered vehicles on the road today can use E10 petrol and all cars built since 2011 are compatible. If your petrol vehicle or equipment is not compatible with E10 fuel, you will still be able to use E5 by purchasing the super grade 97 octane petrol from most filling stations. Petrol pumps will clearly label petrol as either E10 or E5.
The production of renewable ethanol for blending with fossil petrol also results in valuable by-products, including animal feed and stored CO2. Fuel economy
Using E10 petrol can slightly reduce fuel economy the number of miles you are able to drive on a gallon of fuel. You may see a reduction of around 1, but it is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving. Other factors such as your driving style or driving with under-inflated tyres or a roof rack have a much more significant impact on fuel economy than using E10 petrol. Compatibility
Vehicles
Around 95 of petrol-powered vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 petrol and this figure is increasing all the time. All new cars manufactured since 2011 are compatible with E10 petrol, and most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10. The following vehicles, however, may not be compatible with E10 petrol
You can check whether your vehicle is approved to use E10 petrol using our E10 vehicle checker, which covers cars, motorcycles and mopeds. Start now
If your brand or model is not listed, consult your manual or contact your vehicle or equipment manufacturer. Vehicle MOT garages or workshops may also be able to advise on cars, vans and motorcycles.
If in doubt, continue to use E5 97 octane petrol. Classic vehicles
Many manufactures of classic cars are not listed in the vehicle checker. Where older brands are no longer trading, we cannot provide specific information on vehicle compatibility. Owners of vehicles not listed in the vehicle checker should continue to use E5 97 octane petrol, which will remain available in the super grade. For further information, we recommend contacting classic vehicle owners clubs and associations, as well as garages that may be able to provide advice. Continue to use E5 petrol in the super grade 97 octane, which will remain available at many larger filling stations. Make sure you check the label before you fill up. Simply fill up with E5 97 octane petrol next time. Using a single tank of E10 petrol in a vehicle that is not compatible should not be a major problem. Just make sure you fill up with the correct E5 97 octane petrol grade next time. Unlike putting petrol into a diesel engine, you shouldnt need to drain the tank. On a one-time basis, your vehicle will not suffer engine damage as a result. Prolonged use of E10 petrol in a non-compatible vehicle, however, may cause harm and is not recommended. If your vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol, theres no reason you cant mix the 2 grades of petrol E5 97 and E10 95. Its perfectly safe to mix them in the same tank or fill up with E5 if E10 is not available. Boats, aircraft and other petrol-powered equipment
Some other petrol-powered equipment may not be compatible with E10 petrol including
Owners and operators should check their manual or ask the manufacturer or dealer before using E10. Owners of light aircraft that currently use E5 petrol known as MOGAS should continue to use E5 petrol unless expressly approved by their manufacturer or regulating body. Availability
E10 is the standard grade petrol available at almost all petrol stations the UK. Petrol stations that offer 2 grades of petrol will stock E10 95 octane and E5 97 octane petrol. E5 97 octane petrol with no more than 5 renewable ethanol, however, will remain available at filling stations that sell 2 grades of petrol. Some rural, remote or very small filling stations may sell only either E5 or E10 petrol as standard. Labelling
At the filling station
At the petrol station, a circular E10 or E5 label will be clearly visible on both the petrol dispenser and nozzle, making it easy for you to identify the correct petrol to use. The E10 and E5 labels look like this
On your vehicle
New vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards should have an E10 and E5 label close to the filler cap showing the fuels they can use. If your vehicle or equipment doesnt have this label, you can check their compatibility using our E10 vehicle checker. If youre still unsure, consult your manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer. Driving in clean air and ultra-low emission zones
Using E10 fuel will not affect whether you are able to drive in, or have to pay to enter, a clean air zone CAZ, low emission zone LEZ or ultra-low emission zone ULEZ. This is determined by your cars Euro emissions standard and not by the fuel used.