E5 or E10: Why you may have to pay more for gas

Gasoline is expensive, so you probably want to fill up as cheaply as possible. However, this is not always a good idea. Sometimes you have to choose E10 gasoline and sometimes the more expensive E5 gasoline.

Everything used to be better, including gasoline. The old Euro95 was replaced by E10 in October 2019. According to the government, this is better for the climate, although there are studies that show the opposite (there are also studies that say it is better).

Choose between petrol: E10 or E5

But what do E10 and E5 actually stand for? The E stands for ethanol. Bio-ethanol causes fewer emissions. “However, the consumption of E10 is a maximum of three percent higher than that of E5,” the ANWB Autovisie previously announced.

The number 5 or 10 represents the ethanol content. This means that E10 contains a maximum of 10 percent ethanol and that E5 contains a maximum of 5 percent ethanol, which is mixed into the gasoline.

In many modern cars you can simply fill up with E10 petrol. Cheaper fuel can cause problems, especially with older cars, scooters and garden machines. The ethanol can attack rubber, polyester, fiberglass and aluminum. For example, if you fill up with E10 in a vintage car, there may be a leak in the fuel system. Filling up with E5 gasoline in a car that also runs on E10 does no harm.

In Germany still Euro95

If you drive an older car, you will have to pay more for your gas. You then have to refuel for 98 euros. This contains a maximum of 5 percent ethanol and is therefore labeled E5. The “old-fashioned” Euro95 E5 is also still for sale in Germany.

If you want to know whether your car requires E10 or E5 gasoline, check here.