What is the difference between E10 bioethanol and RON 95 gasoline?

According to experts, E10 gasoline does not harm vehicle engines, except for some older models, and has performance equivalent to conventional gasoline.

From June 1st, conventional gasoline will no longer be sold on the market. Instead, E10 RON 95-III bio-gasoline will be widely available nationwide.

What is E10 gasoline?

E10 is a type of biofuel that blends 10% fuel ethanol (bioethanol) with 90% traditional mineral gasoline. Ethanol is primarily produced from bio-based materials such as cassava, sugarcane, and corn, and is therefore considered a renewable fuel.

According to Associate Professor Pham Huu Tuyen, Director of the Center for Research on Power Sources and Autonomous Vehicles ( Hanoi University of Science and Technology), mixing ethanol helps reduce CO emissions and some unburned organic compounds. As a result, air quality is improved and emissions are reduced.

In the context of Vietnam's goal of carbon neutrality and green transportation development, E10 fuel plays a viable role as a viable solution. This type of fuel utilizes existing vehicle infrastructure and has a positive impact on the environment.

E10 RON 95-III gasoline is characterized by a lower heat output (calorific value) per unit of fuel compared to conventional gasoline. This is also why many consumers worry that vehicles using this type of gasoline will consume more fuel than those using conventional gasoline.

In this regard, Associate Professor Pham Huu Tuyen stated that the temperature difference between E10 and conventional gasoline is only a few percent and is compensated by a more efficient combustion process. "Tests show that engine power and fuel consumption when using E10 are basically equivalent to conventional gasoline, and in some cases even improved," said Professor Tuyen.

In fact, E10 is not the only biofuel on the market today. Since the beginning of 2018, E5 RON92 biofuel (5% ethanol blended with mineral gasoline) has been widely sold throughout the country.

In many countries such as the US, Europe, Thailand, and Australia, E10 gasoline has been widely used for many years. Some countries even use E20 and E85 gasoline (with ethanol blending ratios of 20% and 85% respectively) for suitable vehicles.

An employee fills a storage tank with E10 gasoline at a gas station. Photo: PVOIL

Which vehicles can use E10 gasoline?

In Vietnam, experts and petroleum distributors say that most vehicles currently in circulation can use E10 RON 95-III gasoline.

Last year, the Vietnam Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (VAMM) compiled data from five member manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, SYM, and Suzuki. The results showed that most current motorcycle models can use E10 bioethanol fuel without requiring any technical modifications.

Specifically, four manufacturers—Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, and SYM—confirmed that all their models are compatible with E10 gasoline. Meanwhile, Suzuki stated that most of its products are compatible, except for some older models (including Viva, Smash, Amity, etc.) manufactured before 2000.

If the fuel is contaminated with impurities or the blending ratio is incorrect, the quality of E10 gasoline can be affected, leading to problems such as difficulty starting the engine, increased fuel consumption, or reduced engine lifespan. Therefore, for very old vehicles, classic cars, or vehicles with modified fuel systems, users should check according to the manufacturer's recommendations before switching to E10 gasoline.

In Vietnam, most car and motorcycle manufacturers recommend that vehicles can operate well with E10 gasoline, provided the supply meets standards.

"E10 gasoline does not affect engine durability and is suitable for all types of vehicles," Mr. Tuyen affirmed.

How to use E10 gasoline to optimize performance.

Experts say that using E10 doesn't require major changes to how a vehicle is operated, but users should keep a few things in mind to optimize efficiency.

Therefore, for vehicles that are used infrequently, users should avoid leaving ethanol in the fuel tank for too long because ethanol has a higher hygroscopic capacity than regular gasoline. Users should also avoid adding additives of unknown origin to the fuel. Using the correct type of gasoline as recommended by the manufacturer remains the most important factor in ensuring engine longevity.

According to expert Pham Huu Tuyen, users need to comply with regulations on regular maintenance of fuel filters, injectors, and fuel lines as recommended by the manufacturer. This is also similar when using mineral gasoline, to ensure the vehicle operates stably and reliably.

From August 2025, PVOIL and Petrolimex have been testing the distribution of E10 fuel in many major cities, but have not received any significant negative feedback regarding quality or engine performance.

Mr. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), believes that the biggest obstacle to biofuels today is not the technology but the apprehension of consumers.

"Changing fuel consumption habits may initially cause consumer apprehension," said Mr. Dao Duy Anh, adding that it is necessary to strengthen transparent and scientific communication so that people understand biofuels correctly.

Vietnam currently has two refineries that meet approximately 65-70% of domestic fuel needs, with the remainder still being imported. According to Mr. Mai Tuan Dat, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Petrochemical Corporation (BSR) - the operator of the Dung Quat refinery, increasing the use of biofuels could further reduce Vietnam's dependence on imported petroleum products and enhance its energy self-sufficiency.

Regarding ethanol supply, Vietnam currently has a production capacity of approximately 600,000 m3 of ethanol per year and is aiming for 1 million m3. If this scale is reached, the ethanol industry could generate an economic value of approximately 20,000 billion VND per year.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, E10 is the first step in the biofuel roadmap. The regulator is aiming to introduce E15, E20, or higher grades of gasoline in the future when market conditions and infrastructure allow.

According to vnexpress.net

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/xang-sinh-hoc-e10-khac-gi-ron-95-a241035.html