Petrol Cars

Although the car industry's shifting towards electric and hybrid models in time for 2030’s ban on the sale of any new vehicles powered exclusively by petrol and diesel engines, we know not everybody's ready to make that switch. It’s important that you understand the fuel types available to you which is why we’ve put together this guide as well as one on diesel, hybrids and fully electric cars.

What is petrol fuel?

Petrol was the first fuel type used to power motor vehicles and today remains the most popular option for drivers, though as the market shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) we're seeing the percentage of petrol drivers gradually decrease.

Petrol is burnt in the combustion engine to power the vehicle, in the same way diesel would be in a diesel model.

E5 versus E10

There was a lot in the news a couple of years ago about the switch from E5 petrol to E10 petrol as standard, but what does this actually mean for drivers?

The difference between the two is simply the percentage of renewable ethanol in the fuel from up to 5% to up to 10%. This reduces the harmful impact, both at the point of origin and in terms of the vehicle’s pollutants, but fuel economy takes a slight hit and you might notice a small decrease in the time between filling up.

Not every vehicle is compatible with E10, though it’s typically older models which aren’t, and if you don’t want to switch, then E5 is still available as the premium option on most fuel pumps.

Benefits of petrol

There are a number of benefits to driving a petrol vehicle. As it’s the oldest fuel on the market there are models available with a petrol engine in every size, shape and colour for you to choose from. From bold SUVs to sleek coupes and standout superminis, you’ll find a petrol powered car that you love. However, due to the environmental factors outlined, be aware that this won't continue much longer and already 23.3% fewer models are being delivered.

Typically petrol models will be the cheapest on the market and this often means if you’re looking for a lease then the cheapest deals will be on petrol models too.

As well as a more affordable purchase price, petrol cars will also have lower running costs. Petrol is cheaper than diesel, petrol cars don’t have the expensive components that EVs and hybrids do when it comes to maintenance and repairs and they’re usually lower polluting than diesel cars so have slightly cheaper road tax rates.

Considerations with petrol

Just like any fuel, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind with a petrol engine.

Petrol engines burn fossil fuel in order to power them and this produces harmful pollutants such as CO2. While the overall emissions are lower, petrol engines do emit more CO2 than the same model in the form of a diesel engine.

If you're taking a company car, then you should consider the CO2 emission levels of the vehicle when doing so, as it's a factor in deciding the amount of company car tax you'll pay.

Although petrol's cheaper at the pump, you'll find petrol engines are typically less economical on their fuel usage so you’ll be filling up slightly more regularly than with a diesel. Your driving style will also have an impact on the fuel economy of any car.

Another thing to bear in mind is that more cities across the UK are in the process of introducing emission reducing strategies which include clean air zones and low emission zones, both of which penalise polluting engines via a charge to drive within the area.

Deciding if petrol is right for you

When deciding on a fuel type for your next vehicle, you should take into account financial and environmental factors as well as your personal preferences.

Generally we advise you consider:

• How the car will be funded and the additional costs based on this, for example paying company car tax on a company car.
• The expected running costs including fuel, insurance, road tax (if you're responsible for this), parking permits and any other charges.
• The expected servicing and maintenance costs of the vehicle and how this will be paid.
• Whether you'll be driving in any low emission or clean air zones and the charge they apply for petrol models.

We’d also recommend reading up on the other fuel types so that you know the pros and cons of them as well, to ensure you make an informed decision on the right fuel for you.