Advanced Search

Share Coverage



Category: Environmental Technology / Oil and Gas / Consumer Protection / Environmental Impact / States and Territories

RACQ urges motorists to use E10 fuel

Tuesday, 27 Sep 2016 09:35:05 | Jessica Hinchliffe

Motorist are being asked to choice E10 to help Queensland's economy and environment. (File photo: ABC)

The RACQ wants motorists to choose E10 fuel and hopes the Queensland Government will push for a four-cent-a-litre discount on the biofuel.

The Government recently launched the E10 OK website, encouraging motorists to increase their use of biofuels to help both the environment and the economy.

Ethanol blended E10 fuel is made from grain as well as molasses and sugarcane which is then mixed with unleaded petrol.

From January 2017, E10 fuel will have to make up at least 30 per cent of petrol available for sale at petrol stations across the state.

RACQ's Paul Turner said people need to change their view of E10.

"Unfortunately for nearly a decade we've been told it's bad for our cars and that it has terrible qualities," he said.

"The fact is that 85 per cent of petrol cars on our roads in Queensland can use E10 safely and efficiently."

He said 10 years ago when E10 was first introduced, many cars could not handle the biofuel.

"Many of the cars we drive now aren't built in Australia but in Asia or Europe," Mr Turner said.

"In those countries they have a large ethanol usage."

External Link: What is E10?

Mr Turner said although the biofuel is safe for many cars, it can be less efficient and he hoped a discount for the fuel would follow.

"We would like to see a 4 cent a litre discount between E10 and unleaded," he said.

"If your car is designed to use it, there's no downsides to permanently using it."

Check your car's compatibility

The Government's new website allows motorists to enter a registration number to see if their car is compatible.

"That's why we're supporting it as it's about education for motorists and giving motorists the chance to make an informed choice," Mr Turner said.

"We think that the site is the key for motorists as they can check it and make the choice.

"There's still people who think we shouldn't be using it, but our cars are now designed to use it."

Consumer choice

Mr Turner said the RACQ wanted to continue to see choice for consumers at the bowser.

RACQ's Paul Turner Photo: RACQ's Paul Turner wants motorists to check if their car can handle E10. (612 ABC Brisbane: Terri Begley)

"Some engines still need unleaded fuel so it's important that those that want unleaded for the mower or the outboard motor can still get it," he said.

"For us as a motoring group we don't want people forced into only having one option. We want them to still have the choice between E10 and unleaded."

He said motorists would begin to see more E10 at bowers throughout the state.

"At the moment, our volume levels are 1.4 per cent usage in Queensland and they [the Government] want to get it to 3 per cent," Mr Turner said.

"That means more bowsers will be selling E10; we need to make sure the balance is right so motorists have the choice."

AustraliaPlus


 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend