Yes, E10 is 95. Or, to be more precise, E10 is the new name for the standard 95-octane petrol that’s slowly taking over pumps across Europe, the UK, and beyond. Think of it like this: imagine your best friend got a cool new hairstyle and started calling themselves “Sparkle Steve.” Same Steve, just with a very different vibe.
The old “95” was just plain petrol with a 95-octane rating. The new “E10” is that same 95-octane stuff, but now it contains up to 10% bioethanol (that’s fancy fuel made from plants, like corn or wheat). It’s like the petrol went green and got a membership at a yoga studio.
Wait, So Why the Name Change?
Great question! The name changed because the fuel formula changed. Governments and oil companies are trying to be slightly less mean to the planet, so they started adding ethanol to reduce carbon emissions. The “10” in E10 literally means “up to 10% ethanol.” The old “95” had just 5% ethanol (or less), so it was called E5.
Think of it like moving from a “Latte” to a “Soy Latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a side of eco-guilt.” Same base, but the recipe is different, and the name helps you know what you’re actually pouring into your tank. Pro tip: If your car was built after 2011, it’s almost certainly fine with E10. If it’s a classic car from the 1980s, it might want the old E5—so don’t panic, but check your manual.