Academics Reveal Criteria for Vehicles That Can Use E10 Fuel

KatadataOTO – Many concerns have arisen among the public regarding the implementation of fuel oil (BBM) with a 10 percent ethanol blend, or E10, which the government wants to implement.

There are many things to consider. The gasoline tank in a car, for example, must have suitable material to accommodate E10 to prevent damage or rust.

Considering that E10 fuel has water content in it. This has become one of the concerns for vehicle owners.

Academics reveal that modern production vehicles are actually capable of using E10 fuel.

Photo : Pixabay

“(Vehicles produced in) 2000 and later, E10 and E20 are not a problem. Because they were already designed for it,” said Iman Reksowardojo, a Mechanical Engineering Lecturer at Pertamina University and a Member of the Technical Committee for New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) in Jakarta, recently.

Vehicle owners can actually perform a self-check by looking at the information provided in the manual.

However, older vehicles produced in 2000 and before are likely not compatible with using E10 fuel.

It's a different story for motorcycles. According to Iman, motorcycles actually have more advanced technology in Indonesia, making them better prepared to face the implementation of ethanol-blended gasoline.

It should be noted that the motorcycles referred to are recent models or at least those produced after the year 2000.

“They already use a three-way catalyst, a catalyst that reduces exhaust gas emissions. Cars don't have it yet,” said Iman.

But to date, not many vehicle manufacturers have spoken out about their readiness for the implementation of E10 fuel.

One vehicle manufacturer, Toyota, has confirmed that its vehicle lineup produced after 2010 meets the criteria for using ethanol-blended gasoline.

There needs to be coordination between all stakeholders and the public, so that the implementation of E10 fuel does not cause fear among vehicle users.

“(The government should) coordinate, create a roadmap that can be implemented,” Iman emphasized.

Photo : Antara

For your information, fuel with ethanol content is believed to have various positive impacts on both vehicles and the environment.

A 10 percent ethanol blend helps increase the RON percentage or fuel quality while also reducing exhaust gas emissions.

However, various parties believe that the price of E10 fuel will be more expensive than conventional gasoline at the beginning of its implementation.