DfT remains committed to ensuring that E5 is retained as a protection grade fuel if E10 is introduced A statement was issued by the Federation of Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) on 5th March 2020. See the full FBHVC statement DfT consultation with concerns over petrol & diesel availability after 2035 See our NEWS item on The Prime Minister's announcement on 4th February 2020 that the UK Government is seeking views on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans from 2040 to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible. NEWS & NEWS 200302 Open consultation on DfT proposals on how to introduce E10 petrol for vehicle use throughout in the UK was announced on 4th March 2020. Open consultation Posted: 200306 On Wednesday 4th March 2020 the UK Government published a consultation on proposals to introduce E10 petrol, containing up to 10 per cent bioethanol, as the standard for fuel across the UK. The FBHVC has advised in previous consultations with DfT of the requirement to run an alternative ‘protection grade’ fuel alongside E10 for historic vehicles. In an FBHVC statement released on 5th March 2020 they say "we will seek to reinforce that standpoint in this latest consultation. The FBHVC will also seek reassurance that historic vehicle owners will not be financially penalised at the pump when purchasing protection grade fuel and that its availability will not be time limited". It's an important and timely statement to ensure the continued availability of a protection grade fuel. Important response from the DfT Rachel Maclean (Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the DfT) made an important response at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group, chaired by Sir Greg Knight and attended by the FBHVC chairman, acknowledging "the prolonged use of E10 fuel in older and classic vehicles not under manufacturer warranty can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems. For those vehicles, the Department remains committed to ensuring that E5 is retained as a protection grade, if E10 is introduced.” Classic car owners concerns with E10 E10 is of concern to historic vehicle owners because it may cause some flexible fuel hoses, seals, gaskets, plastics and certain metals critical to the fuel system to corrode or degrade. This may cause damage to fuel pumps, carburettors, seals on injectors, pressure regulators and fuel tanks that are not resistant to ethanol. The bioethanol may also dislodge particles on older fuel systems causing blockages. Note - a short period for responses to the open consultation Responses by classic car enthusiasts and representative bodies like the FBHVC need to be made as soon as possible but no later than end of Friday 29 May 2020.