Vietnamese drivers share experiences with E10 biofuel

Vietnam will officially replace conventional gasoline with E10 across all gas stations nationwide as part of its efforts to promote cleaner fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and support greener transportation goals.

The policy has sparked widespread discussion online, with some drivers worrying about its impact on older vehicles, agricultural machinery, and the possibility of water separation in fuel tanks due to ethanol content.

However, readers responding to an article published by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper said their real-world experiences with the new fuel showed little difference from traditional gasoline.

Reader Bich Ngoc said her motorcycle, purchased in 2014 and fueled with A92 gasoline for more than a decade, still performs well on steep roads and mountain passes.

She added she was not worried about switching to the new fuel.

Another reader, Sy Hoang, admitted he was initially anxious after watching negative videos online about E10.

But after filling his 2012 Honda Wave with E10 RON95-V, he found the bike ran “very normally,” with smooth acceleration and no engine lag.

Technical perspectives also emerged.

Phong Vu explained that although E10 has about three percent less energy than RON95, fuel efficiency depends on many factors, including combustion temperature and anti-knock properties.

Vu argued that for older bikes without electronic control units, ethanol’s higher volatility could even help engines run cooler in hot weather.

The discussion has also extended beyond cars and motorcycles.

Hau wondered how E10 would affect small engines like lawnmowers and water pumps, especially two-stroke motors that require oil mixing.

Hong asked whether old fuel must be drained before switching, while Le Van Thuan worried about ethanol absorbing moisture in cars that are rarely used.