Ethanol Fuel Blends

• Ethanol is alcohol produced from the fermentation of a range of plants in a similar way to producing whisky or brandy for example. • It is cheaper to produce than petrol and more climate friendly. • It ignites more easily than petrol but produces approximately 1/3 rd less power. • E5 petrol contains not more than 5% Ethanol and E10 up to 10% Ethanol. • Adding Ethanol shortens the shelf life of Petrol due to Phase Separation. Petrol does not absorb water but Ethanol can.

The Good News

Good for the environment

Production of Ethanol is carbon neutral Using E10 fuel produces approximately 2% less CO2 than E5

Compatible vehicles

Petrol engine cars manufactured from 2010 are compatible with E10. Though cars first registered in 2010-11 may be old stock and not fully compatible. This may not be true of other vehicles, garden machinery and portable petrol engines i.e. generators. Check with manufacturers or businesses that supply or service them.

E10 in an incompatible vehicle

The good news is that a one-off accidental filling with E10 will not stop the car from running and it will not require a fuel drain. If the tank is now full then continue to use the vehicle and top up with E5 after using 1/3 rd of a tank and repeat up to 3 times depending on how much E10 is in the tank. Similarly, if it is only small amount of E10 just top up with E5. The very occasional use of E10 should not be a problem for a vehicle in regular use. If your running low on fuel and E5 is not available, then fill with just enough E10 to get you to a filling station selling E5 taking in to account the advice above.

The Bad News

Fuel economy

Ethanol produces less power than petrol, reducing the miles per gallon. Estimates suggest this may increase running costs up to 3%. Smaller petrol engines suffering the most. It will be harder to get E5 Premium Unleaded (95 RON) and incompatible vehicles will need to use to use Super Unleaded (97 / 98 RON) which is to remain E5 and costs 8p to10p more per litre. Whilst modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection and o2 sensors will adjust to the change in fuel quality automatically, older vehicles may need adjustment particularly carburetted engines.

Cold weather

Owners of incompatible vehicles fitted with carburettors may find it harder to start in cold weather and notice a drop in performance.

Incompatible vehicles

It is estimated that up to 600,000 vehicles may not be able to use E10. Motorcycle manufacturers have generally been slower in preparing for E10. Whilst current models should be compatible Do Check with the manufacturer, dealership or on the UK government website. Especially if you have a 50cc moped! Link to UK government website: - https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol Boats, cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, portable generators etc. that use carburettors are likely to be damaged by E10 as it can cause corrosion. You need to check with the manufacturer. In addition, classic vehicles may suffer damage to fuel tanks and fuel lines as traditional materials used can be damaged by E10’s corrosive properties. Care should be taken when storing for winter or if only used occasionally. Although storage and occasional use has been an issue for some since the introduction of E5 It is advisable to continue using E5 blended petrol especially if the vehicle is incompatible with E10.

What Damage can E10 do?

It can cause corrosion in brass, copper, aluminium, zinc and galvanised materials, and lead/tin coated steels It is a solvent and can damage gaskets,rubber and fibreglass not designed for its use It can absorb water causing it to separate from the petrol and form a layer at the bottom of the tank potentially damaging the engine if started.

Storage

The problem with Ethanol Blends E5 and E10

Ethanol is hygroscopic, it will naturally absorb moisture from the air. Petrol is the opposite, it repels water. Whilst not a problem in a vehicle in regular use it can be a problem during storage. Fresh petrol in a full sealed container stored in a cool place can stay usable for up to 12 months. In a container that is not full or sealed it can become unusable in less than 6 months and in a warm environment less than 3 months. In a container that is not full or airtight it will go stale as essential components in petrol evaporate. The Ethanol will absorb moisture from air which can lead to the water-heavy Ethanol separating from the petrol and forming a separate layer (Phase Separation).

The solutions

Fuel stabilisers There are products on the market designed to lengthen the shelf life of Ethanol blend petrol and work best in a full container/tank. Drain the tank and fuel system The preferred option for those with carburettors is to drain the tank and then start and run the engine until it runs dry and stops. Thereby completely emptying the tank, fuel lines and carburettor. The drained fuel should be stored in suitable airtight containers. It can still be used though it is advisable to shake the container thoroughly to recombine any separation. If stored for over 3 months, mix it with more than 30% of fresh fuel.

Ethanol Fuel Blends

• Ethanol is alcohol produced from the fermentation of a range of plants in a similar way to producing whisky or brandy for example. • It is cheaper to produce than petrol and more climate friendly. • It ignites more easily than petrol but produces approximately 1/3 rd less power. • E5 petrol contains not more than 5% Ethanol and E10 up to 10% Ethanol. • Adding Ethanol shortens the shelf life of Petrol due to Phase Separation. Petrol does not absorb water but Ethanol can.

The Good News

Good for the environment

Production of Ethanol is carbon neutral Using E10 fuel produces approximately 2% less CO2 than E5

Compatible vehicles

Petrol engine cars manufactured from 2010 are compatible with E10. Though cars first registered in 2010-11 may be old stock and not fully compatible. This may not be true of other vehicles, garden machinery and portable petrol engines i.e. generators. Check with manufacturers or businesses that supply or service them.

E10 in an incompatible vehicle

The good news is that a one-off accidental filling with E10 will not stop the car from running and it will not require a fuel drain. If the tank is now full then continue to use the vehicle and top up with E5 after using 1/3 rd of a tank and repeat up to 3 times depending on how much E10 is in the tank. Similarly, if it is only small amount of E10 just top up with E5. The very occasional use of E10 should not be a problem for a vehicle in regular use. If your running low on fuel and E5 is not available, then fill with just enough E10 to get you to a filling station selling E5 taking in to account the advice above.

The Bad News

Fuel economy

Ethanol produces less power than petrol, reducing the miles per gallon. Estimates suggest this may increase running costs up to 3%. Smaller petrol engines suffering the most. It will be harder to get E5 Premium Unleaded (95 RON) and incompatible vehicles will need to use to use Super Unleaded (97 / 98 RON) which is to remain E5 and costs 8p to10p more per litre. Whilst modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection and o2 sensors will adjust to the change in fuel quality automatically, older vehicles may need adjustment particularly carburetted engines.

Cold weather

Owners of incompatible vehicles fitted with carburettors may find it harder to start in cold weather and notice a drop in performance.

Incompatible vehicles

It is estimated that up to 600,000 vehicles may not be able to use E10. Motorcycle manufacturers have generally been slower in preparing for E10. Whilst current models should be compatible Do Check with the manufacturer, dealership or on the UK government website. Especially if you have a 50cc moped! Link to UK government website: - https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol Boats, cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, portable generators etc. that use carburettors are likely to be damaged by E10 as it can cause corrosion. You need to check with the manufacturer. In addition, classic vehicles may suffer damage to fuel tanks and fuel lines as traditional materials used can be damaged by E10’s corrosive properties. Care should be taken when storing for winter or if only used occasionally. Although storage and occasional use has been an issue for some since the introduction of E5 It is advisable to continue using E5 blended petrol especially if the vehicle is incompatible with E10.

What Damage can E10 do?

It can cause corrosion in brass, copper, aluminium, zinc and galvanised materials, and lead/tin coated steels It is a solvent and can damage gaskets,rubber and fibreglass not designed for its use It can absorb water causing it to separate from the petrol and form a layer at the bottom of the tank potentially damaging the engine if started.

Storage

The problem with Ethanol Blends E5 and E10

Ethanol is hygroscopic, it will naturally absorb moisture from the air. Petrol is the opposite, it repels water. Whilst not a problem in a vehicle in regular use it can be a problem during storage. Fresh petrol in a full sealed container stored in a cool place can stay usable for up to 12 months. In a container that is not full or sealed it can become unusable in less than 6 months and in a warm environment less than 3 months. In a container that is not full or airtight it will go stale as essential components in petrol evaporate. The Ethanol will absorb moisture from air which can lead to the water-heavy Ethanol separating from the petrol and forming a separate layer (Phase Separation).

The solutions

Fuel stabilisers There are products on the market designed to lengthen the shelf life of Ethanol blend petrol and work best in a full container/tank. Drain the tank and fuel system The preferred option for those with carburettors is to drain the tank and then start and run the engine until it runs dry and stops. Thereby completely emptying the tank, fuel lines and carburettor. The drained fuel should be stored in suitable airtight containers. It can still be used though it is advisable to shake the container thoroughly to recombine any separation. If stored for over 3 months, mix it with more than 30% of fresh fuel.