Ken Cronin, CEO of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), said: “The announcement that E10 petrol is to be introduced from September 2021 is a major step towards the decarbonisation of existing cars in the UK, on the way to our 2050 net zero target.”

He added: “With the focus being on future rapid electrification and the recent consultation to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, it’s easy to forget that there are already over 19 million petrol-powered cars in the UK.

“Its introduction on UK roads could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750 kilotons (0.75mt) of carbon a year from these vehicles – the same as removing 350,000 cars from our roads.

“E10 petrol consists of up to 10 percent renewable ethanol, which is made from sustainable crops or waste products, reducing the well-to-wheel CO2 emitted into the atmosphere, helping meet the climate change targets.

“UKIFDA and its members play a key role in the distribution of road transport fuels and we will continue to work with industry partners and government to transition towards 2050 with a greater availability of 100 percent renewable liquid fuels.

“Petrol cars manufactured since 2011 are designed to use E10 and the vast majority since 2000, drivers can start using the new E10 fuel without any concerns. However, a small number of older vehicles, classics and motorbikes may not be compatible.”

For more information visit ukifda.org

26th February 2021