E20: The next step at the pump

When it comes to fuel, Germany is traditionally hesitant. Although almost all petrol engines can run on Super E10, only around one in three drivers uses the cheaper and more climate-friendly variant. With the foreseeable introduction of E20, this reluctance could prove to be even more costly - both financially and ecologically.

At the "Fuels of the Future" congress in Berlin, it became clear that the automotive and energy industries are already pushing ahead with the next stage of development. Petrol with up to 20 percent ethanol content should be available at European filling stations from the end of the decade. Volkswagen is positioning itself early on as a pioneer.

More octane, less CO₂

E20 promises several advantages: a higher octane rating, improved performance and a noticeable reduction in CO₂ emissions. Nevertheless, reservations about ethanol persist.

Experts from the automotive industry see things differently. Higher ethanol proportions are seen as a building block that can be realized in the short term to defossilize transport. Accordingly, ethanol was one of the central topics of the congress, which was attended by more than 600 representatives from industry, the energy sector and science.

Approvals from the manufacturers

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have already approved large parts of their model ranges for higher ethanol content. Volkswagen is now going a decisive step further. According to a letter agreed within the Group, all petrol engines of the VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Cupra and VW Commercial Vehicles brands will be technically designed for Super E20 from model year 2016. With the planned market launch - currently expected for 2027 or 2028 - these vehicles are to be officially approved retroactively.

A technical exception

The only exceptions are particularly powerful two-liter four-cylinder engines (EA888) with more than 221 kW (300 hp). These engines were specifically designed for maximum performance with Super Plus RON 98 E5. Technically, an adaptation would be possible - E20 is even used in motorsport to increase performance - but no conversion is planned for series production vehicles. All other petrol engines of the brands mentioned meet the requirements. Even high-performance models such as the Audi RS 6 or R 8 are not affected, as the restriction only applies to the 2.0-liter high-performance engine.

Practical tests are already underway

E20 is already being tested in Germany as part of trial projects. Petrol stations in Mannheim and Giessen are currently making the fuel available to fleet customers. The price is up to five cents lower than that of E10. One reason: the ethanol content is exempt from the CO₂ tax, as it is obtained from biomass that binds CO₂ from the atmosphere as it grows.

Significance for e-fuels

Ethanol also plays an important role in synthetic fuels. As an octane booster, it is a key component of future e-fuel blends. Volkswagen demonstrates just how powerful such fuels can be in motorsport: Max Kruse Racing vehicles powered by the sustainable Shell fuel E20 R 60 achieved class victories and top positions in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

Even more consistent is the VW Golf R Refuel, which can run exclusively on renewable fuels. This is already paving the way for the "Carbon Neutral Fuel Only" vehicle.

Performance included

E20 not only offers ecological advantages. The higher knock resistance increases performance and efficiency. According to VW Head of Development Prof. Thomas Garbe, the performance of the Refuel Golf has been significantly increased compared to the standard version - experts estimate around 380 hp. The Golf R produces 333 hp as standard. The higher ethanol content therefore acts as both an efficiency and performance booster.

Politicians decide on market launch

Technically, the conditions are in place: Vehicles have been approved, fuel is available and a specification already exists in the form of DIN/CEN TS 18227. The EU and national legislators only need to adjust regulatory limits for widespread introduction.

It remains to be seen whether the political processes will progress as quickly as the technical development. One thing is certain: E20 could represent a further step towards climate-friendly individual mobility at the pump - without sacrificing performance or suitability for everyday use. (aum)