New Maxol biofuel for standard petrol cars

Maxol is to introduce a biofuel for standard petrol vehicles across its 150 fuel stations from next week.

The product, which will replace the current unleaded petrol will be known as E5, a blend of 95 per cent standard unleaded petrol and 5 per cent bio-ethanol.

For the first time throughout Ireland, drivers of standard petrol-powered vehicles will be able to use a bio-fuel without risk to the car manufacturer's warranty, according to the company.

A number of fuel suppliers already include 5 per cent biofuel in their diesel sales while CIÉ is investigating the use of significantly higher proportions of biofuels in its vehicles.

The change from 100 per cent fossil fuels is in line with the Government strategy of creating a general biofuels obligation in 2009. From 2010 all suppliers to the Irish market will be required to ensure that 5.75 per cent of their fuels are biofuel.

The bio-ethanol fuel in E5 is currently made from whey, a milk derivative. A litre will cost the same as a litre of standard unleaded petrol.