Concerns new ‘green’ fuel could be costly and harmful

A new ‘green’ fuel to be introduced in the UK to meet EU regulations could be costly and harmful, according to tests carried out by What Car?

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “The European Directive is clearly well-intentioned, but it is both surprising and worrying that What Car has found in tests that carbon dioxide emissions actually increased and fuel economy fell by as much as 10% on vehicles using E10. If these results were borne out by larger scale testing, it would raise questions as to whether there is sufficient environmental benefits to justify the switch to higher biofuel content petrol.

“Less well-off motorists are still finding it very difficult to find the money to pay for the fuel for even the most essential journeys and the Government has recognised this by freezing fuel duty to the end of this parliament. If motorists are required to use a less efficient fuel then Government should be considering reducing the fuel duty on E10 to offset any reduction in fuel economy.

“Other concerns for drivers of vehicles made prior to 2002 using E10 have also been reported. These are associated with possible damage that can be caused by bioethanol’s corrosive properties which can lead to damaged seals, plastics and metals. There have also been reports that E10 is a less stable fuel and that this can make it more difficult to start a vehicle that has not been driven for an extended period.”