Is it true that using E10 causes weaker engine performance, reduced acceleration, and higher fuel consumption?

TPO - Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and experts have affirmed that "consumers can be completely confident in the quality of E10 gasoline as well as other types of gasoline and diesel regulated by the state and circulating in the market."

The effects of E10 gasoline are similar to those of pure mineral gasoline.

On the afternoon of June 1st, the Government's Electronic Information Portal organized a seminar titled "Is the use of E10 gasoline a cause for concern?", with the participation of representatives from state management agencies, associations, and technical experts.

According to Mr. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Trade, the reason Vietnam and other countries around the world must use this fuel is primarily to protect the environment. In addition, biofuels are renewable and can be produced domestically, unlike fossil fuels which are becoming increasingly scarce.

Mr. Dao Duy Anh. Photo: PV.

Mr. Dao Duy Anh affirmed that the implementation of E10 gasoline is based on an assessment and survey of all conditions, from supply sources to infrastructure for storage, blending, transportation, and distribution to consumers. The use of this gasoline contributes to environmental protection, reduces emissions, increases self-sufficiency, and helps ensure national energy security.

“After conducting a thorough survey and assessment, there is no reason to continue using fossil fuels. For environmental reasons and to ensure energy independence, if we continue using fossil fuels, how can we say we will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and achieve national energy security? That is why the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as the Government, are determined to make a complete transition,” said Mr. Dao Duy Anh.

Regarding the impact of the engine, Associate Professor Pham Huu Tuyen, Director of the Center for Research on Power Sources and Autonomous Vehicles at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said that this is an issue that has received much attention, but we "should not be overly concerned".

According to him, biofuels have been used for quite some time worldwide, since the 1980s. Thailand has been using E10 since 2000. In Vietnam, automobile and motorcycle manufacturers have confirmed the compatibility of engine components with E10 biofuel. The impact of E10 is similar to that of using conventional gasoline.

"We conducted research on several older car and motorcycle engine models from before the year 2000 and found that the impact of E10 is completely equivalent to the impact of pure mineral gasoline; these impacts are negligible. People can rest assured using E10 bioethanol," Mr. Tuyen said.

E10 gasoline consumes 2% more fuel than regular gasoline.

Regarding concerns that using E10 gasoline might lead to "weaker engines and higher fuel consumption," Mr. Lo Hai Nam, Head of the Technical Committee of the Vietnam Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (VAMM), said: Based on practical assessments, to ensure engine power, fuel consumption when using E10 will increase by about 2% compared to regular gasoline. However, this difference is very difficult for users to notice during actual use.

People fill up their cars with gasoline on June 1st. Photo: Tien Phong Newspaper.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Huu Tuyen, experimental results at Hanoi University of Science and Technology show that the changes in power and fuel consumption when using E10 gasoline can be considered equivalent to those when using pure mineral gasoline.

Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, added that biofuels have a higher oxygen content, which helps the combustion process to be more complete, thus making them more economical compared to conventional gasoline. Furthermore, the government has also provided tax incentives to make biofuels economically viable for consumers.

Most importantly, according to him, vehicle owners need to use the correct type of fuel. "In many cases, the fuel supply system becomes dirty due to a lack of maintenance or improper maintenance, or due to the accumulation of dirt from using the wrong type of fuel over a long period," he said.

Mr. Dao Duy Anh emphasized that petroleum products are considered the "lifeblood" of the economy, so consumers can rest assured. It is unacceptable to "inject dirty blood" into the economy for any reason whatsoever. The quality of petroleum products is strictly controlled by national technical standards.

"Consumers can rest assured about the quality of gasoline and diesel fuel regulated by the state and circulating in the market. However, when using them, we should consult the manufacturer and especially comply with regulations on regular maintenance. If the maintenance schedule is followed correctly, problems with vehicles will be significantly reduced," he said.

From June 1st, 2026, E10 bioethanol fuel will officially be distributed and sold nationwide, replacing traditional gasoline. In fact, E10 fuel has been piloted in some localities for nearly a year. The transition roadmap has also been developed by relevant authorities in a step-by-step manner, with thorough impact assessments, avoiding abrupt changes and haste.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/thuc-hu-thong-tin-dung-e10-yeu-may-tut-ga-hao-xang-hon-post1848110.tpo