Classic car owners given reprieve from ethanol increases at pumps
The UK’s biggest fuel firms have pledged not to increase the amount of ethanol used in their petrol, but it’s only a three-year reprieve for classic owners.
After the reintroduction of ethanol-free fuel by the British Motor Heritage, we asked Britain’s biggest fuel retailers how they were planning to tackle the classic world’s concerns about the effects of ethanol on older cars.
The majority of the ones we spoke to confirmed they have no immediate plans to increase the ethanol content in their petrol, but hinted classic owners may only have as little as three years before the situation changes. However, the firms are committed to dealing with motorists’ concerns and insist the ethanol content of their fuels will be clearly labelled.
BP has promised that 10% ethanol fuel will not be used until 2017 at the earliest. Spokesperson for the company, Sheila Williams, said: ‘The content of ethanol in our BP Ultimate Unleaded gasoline will not be more than 5% until 1 January 2017 at the very earliest.’
Under European Law, fuel companies in the EU can currently use up to 10% ethanol in their petrol, although no UK fuel companies are using more than 5% ethanol for the time being. However, if the situation were to change, classic drivers would be informed with plenty of notice.
According to Richard Scarse, media adviser for Exxon Mobil, Esso’s parent company: ‘Should we choose to market high ethanol blend fuels such as E10, we would advise customers appropriately and clearly label our petrol pumps.’
Shell reiterated these thoughts, with Jonathan French, the head of UK media relations, stating: ‘We will only offer E10 in the UK when we are confident that motorists are ready.’
Despite the seemingly good news that low ethanol petrol is set to stay, experts still have their doubts about ethanol. Mike Wood, director of Frost UK, a parts specialist, said: ‘Ethanol is bad for engines no matter the concentration. It causes separation between the water and petrol, which leads to rust. The rusting process starts on day one and gradually worsens.’
The FBHVC also voiced strong concerns about the use of ethanol products. A spokesperson from the FBHVC said: ‘The advent of ethanol blended into petrol in recent years has resulted in a resurgence of activity by the Federation in investigating concerns of motorists.’
Murray Scullion