NEW E10 PETROL POSES THREAT TO CLASSIC CARS
After an initial consultation period, the Department of Transport has reaffirmed its intention to introduce a “greener” standard of unleaded fuel, E10, by 2021. But for owners of classic cars there’s a big problem on the horizon. While classic vehicles can happily run on the E5 petrol currently on sale, the new E10 fuel with its higher percentage of ethanol can cause all sorts of problems for them. According to the Department for Transport (DFT), the potential issues include:
Blocked fuel filters
Damaged fuel pumps
Degradation to flexible fuel hoses
Corroded carburettors
Footman James asked an expert, Martin Greaves of Classic Performance Engineering, to clarify the situation for motorists.
HOW DOES E10 FUEL CAUSE PROBLEMS?
“The move to change to mainly E10 fuel is a real concern for classic car owners. Ethanol in fuel has been around since 2008, and in the industry we are already seeing problems arising from the current addition of low levels of ethanol in existing fuels (even up to the 5% level). The regime required to fully empty and clean fuel systems between uses of the car is prohibitive both in terms of time and practicality, and replacing components with ethanol compatible ones may not always be economical, or in certain cases, even possible.” WHAT CAN OWNERS OF CLASSIC CARS DO? Classic cars will still be able to run on E5 petrol, as the Government has pledged that there will be continued supplies of E5 petrol when E10 goes on sale, however there is an economic sting in the tail for classic car owners, as it may only be sold in the form of ‘Super’ grade unleaded.
IS THERE A DOWNSIDE TO ‘SUPER’ GRADE UNLEADED?
“The downside to this ‘super’ grade unleaded at the 5% ethanol level is that we are already seeing issues being caused at this 5% level. When these are factored in alongside the additional cost which will be levied on this fuel, it becomes a greater cause for concern.”
Aside from the mere cost, the other main concern shared by many within the industry centres around whether or not the fuel will continue to be readily and widely available in the long term.
The Government is running the consultation on E10 fuel until April 19th, so you can have your say by visiting www. gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-e10-petrol. Crucially though, it is a positive sign that the government is taking into account how classics will be affected by new green motoring legislation. With E5 currently guaranteed on forecourts when E10 is introduced, we should all be able to enjoy driving and riding our classic vehicles for many years to come.
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