DfT says 'the time is not right' to introduce E10 and 'the government preference is that E10 will not be introduced soon'

This report is taken from the latest newsletter from the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs). The MG Car Club is a member of the FBHVC and the current chairman of the FBHVC is David Whale, a longstanding MG Car Club member.

 






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At the beginning of March 2013 the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) sent representatives to the latest fuel stakeholder meeting, held at the DfT and chaired by the Managing Director of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. This meeting was mainly concerned with the best way to launch E10 fuel in the UK and was attended by representatives from the DfT, Low CVP, fuel companies, the AA, RAC and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The FBHVC was the sole voice representing the
historic vehicle movement.

Right at the start of the meeting the DfT expressed the opinion that 'the time is not right' to introduce E10 and 'the government preference is that E10 will not be introduced soon'. However the introduction will be a purely commercial decision by the suppliers, who DfT hope 'would be cognisant of the impact on consumers'. The British Standard for the labelling of the fuel on the forecourt has now been agreed and in theory the fuel could now be available at the pumps, albeit with very clear warnings on the label about possible compatibility problems.

Looking back at case histories of the introduction of E10 in Europe there are lessons which have been learned about advance publicity and the amount of information that needs to be available to the public before the launch. Retailers have been told not to answer compatibility questions - the idea is to get consumers educated before they get to the E10 pump. SMMT and the LowCVP do have concerns about the lack of information they have on compatibility with historic vehicles and expressed a desire to deal with the Federation. We will of course assist in any way we can. A rough rule of thumb would seem to be that if a vehicle uses carburettors then it is unlikely to be compatible with E10 petrol.

Until the end of 2013 protection grade fuel will definitely be available: this will be guaranteed to contain a significantly lower proportion of ethanol. At the end of the year the agreement to supply this fuel officially ends but the Federation will campaign to ensure its continued availability.
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