ADAC Advocates for Shift from Super E5 to Super E10 in Germany
ADAC advocates for the implementation of Super E10 fuel in the market. - Reason for the ADAC Super E10 Fuel Mandate
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) has called for a shift in the fuel choice of German motorists, encouraging the use of Super E10 over the currently popular Super E5. ADAC President Christian Reinicke argues that the shift would be beneficial for both consumers and the environment.
Modern vehicles, built from 2011 onwards, can handle Super E10, which can contain up to 10% biofuel, without any issues. However, many motorists unnecessarily opt for the more expensive and climate-damaging Super E5 when unsure, according to Reinicke.
German politicians are being urged to promote the use of Super E10. Reinicke suggests that the existing obligation for service stations to offer E5, which can contain a maximum of 5% biofuel, should be phased out and replaced with Super E10. If this were not sufficient to increase the adoption of Super E10, further measures, possibly including stricter ones, may be required. Reinicke stops short of suggesting a potential ban but does not explicitly rule it out either.
Service stations in countries like Austria do not have an obligation to offer E5 and, according to Reinicke, face no problems. The Federal Association of Independent Service Stations (bft) agrees with this perspective, stating that it is time for a market economy in fuel sales. bft also supports the introduction of more climate-friendly alternatives like HVO, a renewable diesel.
In 2023, E10 accounted for only 26.4% of domestic deliveries of gasoline, while E5 accounted for 67.5%. However, the share of E10 had been rising earlier, particularly during the high gasoline prices of 2022. In 2020, it was still at 13.9%. The cost advantage of E10 over E5, approximately six cents per liter, contributes to its economic appeal.
E10 is also environmentally friendly, containing up to 10% bioethanol derived from renewable sources. This reduces CO2 emissions compared to E5. To prevent misfueling, stations offering Super E10 must clearly label their pumps and provide warnings about compatibility.
Consumers can save money by choosing E10 over E5 and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, supporting a more sustainable transport sector. It is essential, however, for consumers to ensure their vehicles are compatible with E10 before making the switch. Mixing E10 and E5 is generally safe for E10-compatible vehicles.
- The shift from Super E5 to Super E10, encouraged by ADAC, aligns with the employment policy of promoting a sustainable and climate-friendly transport sector, given that Super E10 contains up to 10% bioethanol derived from renewable sources and reduces CO2 emissions compared to E5.
- In the context of environmental-science and climate-change, the advancements in technology have enabled modern vehicles built from 2011 onwards to handle Super E10, which can contain up to 10% biofuel, without any issues, making it a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective fuel choice for consumers.
