ADAC Advocates for Increased Adoption of Super E10 Fuel

In Germany, drivers of gasoline vehicles predominantly opt for Super E5 fuel, but the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) is pushing for a shift towards the more affordable Super E10. ADAC President Christian Reinicke has emphasized that the government should promote the use of Super E10, which can contain up to ten percent biofuel. According to him, vehicles manufactured from 2011 onwards are fully compatible with this fuel type.

Despite its environmental benefits and lower cost--often six cents cheaper than Super E5--many consumers continue to choose the more expensive option. Currently, regulations mandate that fuel stations offer E5, which contains a maximum of five percent biofuel. Reinicke argues that this requirement is outdated, stating that it should be revised to make Super E10 the standard offering at fuel stations. He suggests that if this adjustment does not lead to increased adoption, more stringent measures may need to be considered.

In 2022, Super E5 accounted for 67.5 percent of gasoline sales in Germany, while Super E10 made up 27.4 percent. The E10 share has seen minimal growth in recent years, rising only slightly from 26.4 percent in 2023. An increase in fuel prices in 2022 had previously boosted the E10 sales share, which stood at 13.9 percent in 2020.

Reinicke cites Austria as a successful example, where there is no longer a requirement to provide E5 at fuel stations, and this has not led to any significant issues. He shares a common viewpoint with fuel station operators, who advocate for a more market-driven approach in fuel sales. The Bundesverband Freier Tankstellen (bft), representing independent fuel stations, supports the idea of removing the E5 obligation, stating that it is no longer relevant for modern vehicles. They propose that consumers and station owners should decide which fuels to offer based on market demand.

Furthermore, the bft stresses the importance of making room for other renewable fuels like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which requires space at fuel stations currently occupied by E5. The association believes that eliminating the obligation for E5 would allow stations to adapt more flexibly to changing customer preferences and introduce innovative, eco-friendly fuel options.

Similarly, the Fuels and Energy Association, which represents major players in the fuel market, echoes these sentiments. They advocate for the removal of the E5 requirement, which would enable fuel station operators to better respond to evolving customer needs and facilitate the introduction of greener fuel alternatives.