The UK government is pushing forward with the introduction of a new cleaner petrol, despite fears that it could seriously damage some cars.

E10 petrol has already been introduced across most of the EU, US and Australia, but in the UK is still under a consultation process as to whether it should be introduced to larger forecourts.

E10 fuel is a greener alternative to alternative fuel as it uses twice as much bioethanol than is found in regular petrol. But a report by the RAC Foundation has found that there are hundreds of thousands of cars which are incompatible with the fuel including some of the UK’s most popular cars such as Volkswagens, Fords and Nissans.

“As and when E10 appears on the forecourts, drivers need to know whether their cars can use it without being damaged,” said Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation.

“This analysis shows that even in a couple of years’ time there will still be hundreds of thousands of cars on our roads that are incompatible with the new fuel.

“While some of the cars incompatible with E10 fuel will be historic models, many will be old but serviceable everyday runarounds that people on a tight travel budget rely on to get about.”

The RAC’s research showed that in 2020 there is estimated to be 634,309 petrol car which will be incompatable with E10, including cars such as the Nissan Micra, Rover 25 and Ford Escort.

Despite these concerns the Department for Transport are pushing ahead for plans to introduce the greener fuel across the network of fuel stations.

A DfT spokesperson said: “This government is ambitiously seeking to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fossils fuels and cut carbon emissions from transport. But drivers of older vehicles should not be hit hard in the pocket as a result.

“The E10 petrol consultation will give a better understanding of the impact of E10 on the UK market, and to ensure that drivers are protected if any changes come into effect.”

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