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ADAC pushes for E10 obligation: E5 soon history at gas stations?
The ADAC is calling for changes to gas stations in Germany: E5 should be replaced in favor of E10 in the future in order to optimize costs and the environment.
ADAC pushes for E10 obligation: E5 soon history at gas stations?
On May 26, 2025, fuel prices in Germany rose again. Premium gasoline currently costs 1.70 euros per liter, E10 is 1.65 euros and diesel is 1.52 euros. These price increases have led many drivers to increase their use of E5, even though this fuel is on average 6 cents per liter more expensive than E10. According to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA), over two thirds of drivers in Germany chose E5 in 2024, while only 27.4 percent preferred E10 SWR, BR.
The main reason for this preference is the existing distrust of E10. This fuel contains up to 10 percent bioethanol, which makes it cheaper and more environmentally friendly, but has raised concerns among some drivers that have persisted since E10 was introduced in 2011. In particular, concerns that E10 could damage engines have led many to resort to E5. However, ADAC spokesman Andreas Hölzel emphasizes that these concerns are unfounded and that there is technically no reason not to fill up with E10 SWR.
Switching to E10
The ADAC is committed to changing the existing obligation for filling stations to offer E5 into an obligation for E10. The aim of this initiative is to create more space at filling stations for climate-neutral fuels. Germany could take a cue from other European countries. For example, in Austria Super E5 was canceled without replacement; there is now a complete switch to E10. This development is also expected in Germany, as the ADAC and the mineral oil industry assume that E5 will soon no longer be available, similar to Austria BR.
In addition, a Federal Council resolution from March 2024 allowed gas stations to no longer offer E5 if they offer E10 and alternative fuels such as HVO100 or GTL. Some gas station operators, especially those with high demand for E5, could still keep this fuel in their range BR.
The relevance of E5 in the future
Although the benefits of E10 are obvious, the ADAC has indicated that E5 should continue to be offered for older vehicles that may be affected by intolerances. These vehicles, especially those over 15 years old, can use Super Plus to avoid potential problems. ADAC President Christian Reinicke calls for increased use of Super E10 in order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in road traffic. A similar picture emerges in France: here only about a quarter of customers prefer E5 instead of E10 BR.
With the changing fuel landscape in Germany, the automotive industry is facing significant challenges and opportunities. The review and possible conversion from E5 to E10 could not only reduce environmental impact, but also represent a future-oriented solution for fuel supply in Germany SWR.