The UK government is planning to introduce a more eco-friendly fuel, called E10, for petrol cars and motorbikes, as part of its efforts to support the decarbonisation of transport.
The plan involves making E10 the standard grade of petrol at UK filling stations as of 2021.
E10, which is made of up to 10% ethanol, could reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from the transport sector by 750,000 tonnes per year.
The unleaded petrol currently in use contains up to 5% bioethanol.
The E10 fuel blend is already in use in several other European countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “The next 15 years will be absolutely crucial for slashing emissions from our roads, as we all start to feel the benefits of the transition to a zero-emission future.
“But before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today.
“This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol at 10% will help drivers across the country reduce the environmental impact of every journey.
“Overall, this could equate to about 350,000 cars being taken off our roads entirely.”
The plan is currently in the consultation stage and follows a call for evidence in 2018 on the programme.
Earlier this month, the government committed a £5bn investment to overhaul bus and cycle links as part of its plan to shift to greener transportation.
