Throughout Australia, ethanol-blend fuels, such as E10 are available as an alternative to unleaded petrol (ULP). Many new and older vehicle models effectively operate on petrol with up to 10% ethanol, i.e. E10.
Vehicle brands have provided the following information on the capability of their vehicles to operate on ethanol fuel blends, subject to the fuel meeting the relevant mandatory Australian fuel quality standards including the minimum octane rating (RON) and maximum sulphur levels. For correct in-service operation and to meet emission standards, many modern vehicles require premium unleaded petrol (PULP) which has a minimum of 95 RON and a maximum of 50 ppm sulphur.
Some E10 unleaded petrol blends are marketed as 94 RON petrol. For example, in NSW the fuel is labelled as “Ethanol 94 (E10)”. However, as these blends use 91 RON unleaded petrol, they do not meet all fuel standards for PULP (95 RON) and can have up to 150 ppm sulphur.
To avoid operational issues, vehicle owners should use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer and the vehicle should be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s servicing procedures using genuine replacement parts. This will ensure that the fuel systems of vehicles continue to operate as designed on ethanol-blend fuels.
Australian Fuel Quality Standards
The Australian fuel quality standards allow up to 10% (by volume) of ethanol in unleaded petrol (ULP). The Australian fuel quality standards specifies that ULP must have a minimum of 91 RON and allows up to 150 ppm sulphur. While octane rating and sulphur levels are the fuel parameters that most well-known, there are a range of other fuel parameters that are important to correct vehicle engine operation. For a full list of the regulated fuel parameters in petrol, please visit the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Energy website; Petrol fuel quality standard.
For more information about national fuel quality standards or the national labelling requirements for ethanol blends, please visit the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment and Energy website; Ethanol fuel quality standard.
Australian Vehicle Emission Standards
The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are harmonised with international standards as specified in the United Nations (UN) Regulations. The same requirements apply throughout the European Union and are also being adopted by many other countries. New vehicles certified to these standards will increasingly use advanced emission control technologies that strictly control the engine’s operating parameters and have therefore more stringent fuel quality requirements.
The Australian government is currently reviewing the introduction of CO2 targets and the advanced (Euro 6) level of vehicle emission standards. These CO2 and pollutant emission standards will require higher fuel quality standards of 95 RON, 10 ppm sulphur.
For more information please visit the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website: Ministerial Forum on Vehicle Emissions.
Will Ethanol damage my vehicle or affect its performance?
Most metal components in fuel systems will corrode or rust in the presence of water. Ethanol increases petrol's ability to absorb water without separating. Therefore, ethanol-blended petrol can ‘hold’ more water and carry this through the engine. The greater the concentration of ethanol the greater the ability to ‘hold’ water.
Several studies have examined the effect of E10 on fuel tanks and fuel system components and have concluded that ethanol up to 10% does not increase corrosion in normal, everyday operation.
Ethanol blends may have a deteriorating effect on the rubber components of an engine. Other additives, such as benzene, may also have an effect.
In older models, deposits in fuel tanks and fuel lines are occasionally loosened by E10, and the fuel filter may become clogged with this residue. This is remedied by a fuel filter change. If very ethanol-rich fuel is used, this may cause an engine to stall.
The use of E10 petrol in vehicles that are E5 compatible may also result in material compatibility problems within the fuel system.
Vehicle Model suitability for E5 or E10 use
The following table lists vehicle models suitability to run on E5 or E10 ethanol blended petrol. Before using E5 or E10 in motor vehicles not listed below, or if you are unsure, consult your handbook or manufacturer to check if the fuel is suitable.
Motor Vehicles
|
| E5 Suitable | E10 Suitable | ||
BRAND | MODEL | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Alfa Romeo | All models post 1998 | √ |
|
| x |
Alfa Romeo | All models pre 1998 |
| x |
| x |
Audi | Audi A3 1.8L (Engine Code 'APG' 2000 onwards) and A4 2.0L (Engine Code 'ALT' 2001 onwards)
|
| x |
| x |
Audi | All models post 1986 except above | √ |
| √ |
|
Bentley | All models post 1990 | √ |
| √ |
|
BMW | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Citroen | All models post 1998 | √ |
| √ |
|
Chrysler | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Daihatsu | Charade (September 2004 onwards); Terios (September 2004 onwards); Copen (October 2004 onwards); Sirion (November 2004 onwards) | √ |
| √ |
|
Dodge | All models post 1986 | √ | √ | ||
Fiat | Punto | √ |
|
| x |
Ford | Focus (2002 - 2004), F-series (1986-1992), Ka (All), Maverick (All), Transit (1996 - 2004) | √ |
|
| x |
Ford | Mondeo (prior to 2007) | √ | x | ||
Ford | Capri (All), Courier 2.0L & 2.6L (All), Econovan (pre-2002), Festiva (All), Laser 1.3L, 1.5L & 1.6L (All), Raider (All), Telstar (All) |
| x |
| x |
Ford | All models post 1986 except above | √ |
| √ |
|
GMDaewoo | All models |
| x |
| x |
Holden | Apollo (1/87-7/89), Nova (2/89-7/94), Barina (1985-1994), Drover (1985-1987), Scurry (1985-1986), Astra (1984-1989) |
| x |
| x |
Holden | Astra SRi 2.2L (11/2006 onwards); Astra 2.2L Twin Top Convertible (11/2006 onwards) | √ |
|
| x |
Holden | All models post 1986 except above | √ |
| √ |
|
Honda | Insight - 2004 onwards; Civic range (including Civic Hybrid) - 2004 onwards; S2000 - 2004 onwards; CRV - 2003 onwards; MD-X - 2003 onwards; Accord & Accord Euro - 2003 onwards; Integra – 2002 onwards; Odyssey – 2004 onwards; Jazz – 2004 onwards; Legend – 2006 onwards | √ |
| √ |
|
Hyundai | All models post October 2003 | √ |
| √ |
|
Infiniti | All models post 2004 | √ | √ | ||
Jaguar | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Jeep | All models post 1986 | √ | √ | ||
Kia | All models post 1996 | √ |
| √ |
|
Land Rover | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Lexus | IS200 pre May 2002 | √ |
|
| x |
Lexus | All models post 1986 except above | √ |
| √ |
|
Lotus | Elan (1989-1991); Esprit (4 cyl – 1987-1999); Elise (Rover engine – 1996-2004); 340R; Exige (Rover engine – 2001, 2002 & 2004); Europa (2006 onwards) |
| x |
| x |
Lotus | Esprit (V8 – 1998-2004); Exige (Toyota engine – 2004 onwards); Elise (Toyota engine – 2004 onwards) | √ |
| √ |
|
Mazda | Mazda2 - May 2005 build onwards, Mazda3, Mazda6, RX-8, MX-5 – July 2005 build onwards, Tribute - April 2006 onwards, CX-7, CX-9 | √ |
| √ |
|
Mazda | All models except above |
| x |
| x |
Mercedes-Benz | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
MG | All models | √ |
|
| x |
MINI | All models | √ |
| √ |
|
Mitsubishi | All fuel injected models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Nissan | All models post 2004 | √ |
| √ |
|
Peugeot | 306 (XU engine only) |
| x |
| x |
Peugeot | All models post July 1997 except above | √ |
| √ |
|
Porsche | All models pre MY2007 | √ |
|
| x |
Porsche | All models from MY2007 | √ |
| √ |
|
Proton | All models |
| x |
| x |
Rover | All models | √ |
|
| x |
Renault | All models post 2001 | √ |
|
| x |
Rolls Royce | All models between 1990 and 2002 | √ |
| √ |
|
Saab | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Ssangyong | Rexton, Stavic & Chairman models with 3.2 litre petrol engine | √ |
| √ |
|
Subaru | All Subaru (before 1990) Subaru Liberty B4 (2002 to 2003) Subaru Liberty GT (2004 - 2006) Impreza WRX STI (1999 to 2005) |
| x |
| x |
Subaru | All models post MY1990 except above provided the model-specific minimum octane rating is maintained | √ |
| √ |
|
Suzuki | All pre-2008 Alto, Mighty Boy, Wagon R+, Swift/Cino, Sierra, Stockman, Vitara, X-90, Jimny (SOHC), Super Carry, Suzuki Baleno and Baleno GTX |
| x |
| x |
Suzuki | All models except above (providing RON requirements are met) | √ |
| √ |
|
Toyota | Camry with carburettor engines pre July 1989 and Corolla pre July 1994; Supra - pre May 1993, Cressida - pre Feb 1993, Paseo - pre Aug 1995, Starlet - pre July 1999, Land Cruiser - pre Aug 1992, Coaster - pre Jan 1993, Dyna - pre May 1995, Tarago - pre Oct 1996, Hilux , Hiace, & 4 Runner - pre Aug 1997, Townace - pre Dec 1998 |
| x |
| x |
Toyota | All models except above | √ |
| √ |
|
Volkswagen | All fuel injected models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Volvo | All models post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Motorcycles, ATVS and SSVs
The following table lists brands' suitability to run on E5 or E10 ethanol blended petrol. Before using E5 or E10 in motorcycles, ATVs, scooters or SSVs not listed below, or if you are unsure, consult your handbook or manufacturer to check if the fuel is suitable. Carburettored motorcycles are generally not recommended to use ethanol-blended fuel.
|
| E5 Suitable | E10 Suitable | ||
BRAND | MODEL | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Aprilia | All motorcycles and scooters | √ | √ | ||
BMW | All motorcycles post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Buell | All motorcycles | √ |
| √ |
|
Can-Am | All ATVs & SSVs | √ | √ | ||
Ducati | All motorcycles | x | x | ||
Harley Davidson | All motorcycles post 1986 | √ |
| √ |
|
Honda | All motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles |
| x |
| x |
Hyosung | All motorcycles | x | x | ||
Husqvarna | All motorcycles | √ | √ | ||
Indian | All motorcycles | √ | √ | ||
Kawasaki | All motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles with the exception of the list below |
| x |
| x |
Kawasaki | KLX110A/C/D (KLX110/L) 2006-2012 models, KL250J (Stockman) 2006-2012 models, KLX250T (KLX250S) 2009-2012 models, KLX250W (KLX250SF) 2010-2012 models, KL650E (KLR650) 2008-2012 models, KLE650A (Versys) 2008-2009 models, KLE650D (Versys ABS*) 2010-2012 models, ER650A (ER-6n) 2006-2008 models, ER650C (ER-6n) 2009 model, ER650D (ER-6n ABS*) 2009-2011 models, EX650A (ER-6f) 2006-2008 models, EX650C (Ninja 650R) 2009 model, EX650D (Ninja 650R ABS*) 2010-2011 models, ZR750L (Z750) 2007-2012 models, EJ800A (W800) 2011 2012 models, VN900B ( Vulcan 900 Classic) 2006-2011 models, VN900C (Vulcan 900 Custom) 2006-2011 models * E10 fuel is approved for use in these LAMS variants models | √ |
| √ |
|
KTM | All motorcycles | √ | √ | ||
Moto Guzzi |
All fuel-injected motorcycles
| √ | √ | ||
Piaggio | All fuel-injected motorcycles/scooters | √ |
| √ |
|
Polaris | All motorcycles | √ |
| √ |
|
Suzuki | All motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles except the two stroke range | √ |
| √ |
|
Triumph | All motorcycles | √ | √ | ||
Vespa | All fuel-injected motorcycles/scooters | √ | √ | ||
Victory | All motorcycles | √ |
| √ | |
Yamaha | All motorcycle and All Terrain Vehicles |
| x |
| x |
REASONS WHY ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN SOME OLDER VEHICLES
Introduction
The following information outlines the key reasons why vehicle manufacturers do not recommend the use of any ethanol/petrol blended fuels in vehicles made before 1986. This information is also applicable to post-1986 vehicles listed as unsuitable to use ethanol blended petrol.
Ethanol has a number of important chemical and physical properties that need to be considered in a vehicle's design.
Carburettor Equipped Engines
Vehicles made before 1986 vehicles were predominantly equipped with carburettors and steel fuel tanks.
The use of ethanol blended petrol in engines impacts the air/fuel ratio because of the additional oxygen molecules within the ethanol's chemical structure.
Vehicles with carburettor fuel systems may experience hot fuel handling concerns. This is because the vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol will be greater (if the base fuel is not chemically adjusted) and probability of vapour lock or hot restartability problems will be increased.
As a solvent, ethanol attacks both the metallic and rubber based fuels lines, and other fuel system components.
Ethanol also has an affinity to water that can result in corrosion of fuel tanks and fuel lines. Rust resulting from this corrosion can ultimately block the fuel supply rendering the engine inoperable. Water in the fuel system can also result in the engine hesitating and running roughly.
Fuel Injected Engines
In addition to the issues mentioned above for carburettor equipped engines, the use of ethanol blended petrol in fuel injection systems will result in early deterioration of components such as injector seals, delivery pipes, and fuel pump and regulator.
Mechanical fuel injection systems and earlier electronic systems may not be able to fully compensate for the lean-out effect of ethanol blended petrol, resulting in hesitation or flat-spots during acceleration.
Difficulty in starting and engine hesitation after cold start can also result.
Exhaust And Evaporative Emission Levels
Lean-out resulting from the oxygenating effect of ethanol in the fuel may affect exhaust emissions.
Of more concern is that fuel containing ethanol can increase permeation emissions from fuel system components, particularly those that have aged for nearly 20 years. Therefore the increased vapour pressure of fuel with ethanol (if the base fuel is not chemically adjusted at the refining stage) will lead to increased evaporative emissions.