Update
on the early introduction of E10 petrol in the UK in 2013
See the latest FBHVC newsletter. More
At the end of June the motor fuel specialist at FBHVC, Matthew
Vincent, attended a meeting at the British Standards Institute
to discuss petrol labelling. There were a number of points
of particular interest to member organisations and their historic
and classic car members. More
The earlier introduction of E10 discussed at the BSI
meeting "appears to contradict statements made by the DfT
earlier in 2012". More
Can I see more on biofuels?
See our Information Gateway on biofuels. More
Biofuel
terminology
The terms E5 and E10 refer to the proportion of ethanol in the
motor fuel sold at filling stations.
What is the FBHVC?
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) is
a grouping of historic vehicle clubs and museums together with
some trade and Individual Supporters.
FBHVC website
Posted: 121001
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Introduction
of E10 petrol in the UK
In its latest newsletter the FBHVC says "the
Federation and and member clubs have previously
been led to believe that the widespread introduction
of E10 fuel was unlikely before 2015. However, following
a recent stakeholder meeting at the Department for
Transport
it does seem that this has changed and E10 could
be with us as early as 2013. The
BSI committee (the Federation
has a representative on this committee) is working
on the E10 fuel specification for the UK which is
expected to be in place by the end of 2012 and fuel
retailers are to be given guidance over the introduction
of E10 petrol. There is currently no planned national
roll-out for E10 and not all fuel terminals have
ethanol blending facilities, so a piecemeal introduction
of E10 can be expected.
A DfT vehicle compatibility working group will be
compiling a list of modern E10 compatible vehicles
and this should be in place by early September.
There is also a working group subset which is concerned
with classic or historic vehicles, including motorcycles,
to which the Federation is invited.
We are already well aware that E10 is not suitable
for historic vehicles, unless steps have been taken
to proof fuel systems for this blend. Members should
be aware that E10 may start to penetrate the UK
retail fuel market early in 2013, and they should
avoid it unless they have adopted measures to ensure
compatibility with E10 petrol. Pumps selling this
fuel will be clearly labelled E10, and also will
carry a warning message. It should also be noted
that super grade petrol will continue to be the
'protection grade' and will not have more than 5%
ethanol."
As we noted from an earlier DfT stakeholder meeting,
in many cases the premium 97 grade does not have
enthanol but it does depend on which refinery supplies
individual filling stations.
Leaded petrol
A list of garages selling leaded fuel can found
on the FBHVC website: www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuel-information
This list has recently been updated and there are
now very few places left to fill up with leaded
petrol. The list is laid out in post code order.
Dawson Engineering (Burley) Ltd
BH24 4EB
Maple Garage
HU11 4NA
Redhall Garage Ltd
LE67 8HG
R E Mills Motor Engineers
LE7 7NU
Renlut Properties Limited
LL12 8DY
Stoke Row Garage
RG9 5QL
Park End Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd
SE13 6TR
Platts of Marlow
SL7 2NJ
H J Taylor
WR12 7PL
Labelling for E10
The labelling for E10 was discussed in detail at
the BSI meeting and it was agreed that the code
'E10' would feature prominently on the label,
being given the same size lettering (15mm) as the
words 'Unleaded Petrol' and the octane rating
(95). The warning to motorists about the
suitability or otherwise of the fuel will use smaller
lettering (10mm), but should still be clearly visible.
Despite apparent agreement at a previous meeting
of a different format, the form of wording shown
below was adopted: 'Not suitable for all vehicles.
Consult vehicle manufacturer before use'. This
might in theory cause some logistical problems for
owners of historic vehicles whose manufacturers
no longer exist, but in reality, unless actions
are taken by owners to proof their fuel systems
against the effects of E10, then it should be regarded
as unsuitable for any historic vehicle.
Unleaded petrol containing up to 5% ethanol will
not need to be labelled, but if the ethanol
content rises above 5%, the fuel must be labelled.
If the label on the petrol pump does not include
the code 'E10', then the fuel should contain no
more than 5% ethanol. So in effect there is a "by
default non labelling" on E5!
Volatility issues
The proposed volatility limits of petrol containing
10% ethanol (E10) in the revised European specification
are likely to be agreed later this year. The inclusion
of 10% ethanol will be accompanied by an increase
in the permitted upper limit of volatility. Although
the change is small, in effect it means that petrol
with 10% ethanol will be more volatile than existing
petrol containing no ethanol, or with 5% ethanol
in a blend. This change will not assist owners
of historic vehicles fitted with carburettors,
but there has already been significant discussion
about in-situ alterations for vehicles suffering
from vapour lock in hot weather. The arrival of
E10 will probably require a renewed awareness of
modifications as attempt to remedy volatility related
issues. Full details about this are already on the
FBHVC
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