So When Can We Start Using Sustainable Fuels?
June 30, 2023
Right now is the short answer. Coryton, who you may remember from our YouTube video on the subject at the beginning of the year, has now launched its sustainable fuels for classic vehicles, available to purchase as of the 13th of June only at Bicester Heritage. More distributors will follow, however, with the goal being a UK-wide distribution network leaving ICE motorists in a much better position than their EV counterparts. Oh range anxiety, how we loathe you. We know this stuff works, too because we proved it by filling our very own Rover 800 Vitesse with Coryton’s synthetic, plant-based fuel and suffering zero negative effects as a result.
Designed specifically for classic vehicles but also perfectly usable in modern engines, the UK’s first publicly available sustainable petrol is available right now. Dubbed the “SUSTAIN Classic” range, this new e-fuel has been developed to allow us to fuel our classic and vintage vehicles with plant-based petrol, with zero modifications to our engines. Three types of synthetic fuels are available, initially, with the fuel containing the highest sustainable content promising a reduction of at least 65% in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to fossil fuels, which is not only kind to the Polar Bears but will also silence those pesky naysayers of the internal combustion engine. Win, win then.
With an octane rating of at least 98RON (equivalent to super unleaded) and a bio-ethanol content of less than 1%, all three types of fuel available have been specially tailored for classic vehicles and formulated to include premium additives which stabilise and extend the life of the fuel along with helping to clean and protect the engine. Get in the sea Ethanol! Well, not literally. Think of the fish.
We’ve created a handy table so you can compare and contrast the three types of drop-in replacement sustainable fuels available but suffice to say you have options when it comes to cost, emissions levels, performance benefits and percentage of renewable content used.
*compared to fossil fuels
Yes it’s more expensive than regular petrol currently but this price is expected to fall as the fuel is taken up and made more readily available. Coryton remain open about technology readiness and traceability with David Richardson, Business Development Director at Coryton explaining: “Every kilogram of CO2 we avoid adding to our atmosphere, by replacing fossil fuel with sustainable fuel, is a win. We don’t instantly have to go for the full switch to start making a genuine impact. As more feedstocks become available, these fuels will start to contain even higher levels of traceable sustainable elements. However, we want to keep things as affordable as possible for consumers and be open about what’s actually achievable at the moment”.
He goes on to say: “The availability of true fossil free fuel components is limited. So, we’re setting truthful and realistic goals, producing fuels that have a meaningful impact whilst meeting the demands of the user. The industry will get there with the right support – which is why we think it’s important to start getting these products into the hands of consumers so they can see how easy and effective the switch could be.”
This is proven technology but don’t just take our word for it. Certified by Coryton’s fully accredited laboratory, and with legit International Sustainability & Carbon certification SUSTAIN Classic fuels have been successfully tested both under controlled conditions as well as in the real world on track, delivering excellent overall performance. Over 70 cars recently successfully used the Super 80 fuel at the Rally for The Ages event at Bicester Heritage. Not only that but last year SUSTAIN Racing was launched, taking the motorsport sector by storm and claiming titles in events such as the Dakar Rally powering the Prodrive Hunter.
Andrew Willson, CEO at Coryton, said: “We believe that SUSTAIN Classic is the world’s first ever sustainable fuel catering for classic vehicles, providing a credible and convenient way to run vintage vehicles without the need for fossil fuels. It’s fully certified, tested, and developed right here in the UK at our world-class blending facility. It’s estimated that there are almost half a million classic cars in the UK, each one with its own unique purpose, build and history. By creating a collection of second-generation biofuels that are compatible with their needs, as well as those of other vintage vehicles, we hope to provide these much-loved motors with a more sustainable future and preserve them for years to come.”
It’s happening, ladies and gentlemen. The future is now. Long live the internal combustion engine!
