Vietnam is set to begin mandatory nationwide use of E10 bio-gasoline from June 1, 2026, as the country moves ahead with its clean energy transition strategy.
Experts and automobile manufacturers say the fuel not only remains safe for engines but can also improve vehicle performance and reduce harmful emissions.
The planned rollout has raised questions among consumers about the impact of E10 fuel on motorcycles and cars. However, major automobile manufacturers including Toyota, Honda and Ford have stated on their information platforms that E10 biofuel does not damage vehicle engines, Laodong reported.
According to industry experts, E10 contains a higher octane value, which helps engines operate more efficiently and reduces engine knocking or detonation.
Speaking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Dr. Khuong Kim Tao, former Deputy Chief of Office of Vietnam's National Traffic Safety Committee, said gasoline requires additives to help engines run smoothly and stably.
He explained that lead had earlier been widely used as an anti-detonation additive, but due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment, the fuel industry had to shift towards cleaner alternatives.
Dr. Tao said bio-gasoline blended with ethanol offers a more environmentally friendly solution while continuing to meet engine performance requirements.
According to Vietnam's Ministry of Construction, bio-gasoline is produced by blending anhydrous ethanol with conventional gasoline in different proportions. E10 contains 10% ethanol, while blends ranging from E5 to E25 are classified as low-ethanol fuels. Higher blends such as E30 to E85 contain larger ethanol proportions, while E100 is pure ethanol.
The ethanol used in bio-gasoline is produced through the fermentation of agricultural materials including corn, wheat, soybeans, sugarcane, cassava and bio-cellulose.
Experts explained that ethanol, once processed into anhydrous form, acts as a fuel additive with a very high octane rating of up to 109. In comparison, ordinary gasoline without additives has an octane rating of about 70, while A92 gasoline has a rating of 92.
A higher octane rating allows fuel to withstand greater compression before ignition, reducing the risk of early detonation inside the engine cylinder, which can damage engine components.
As a result, experts say low-level ethanol blends such as E10 not only remain safe for engines but also improve combustion efficiency and engine protection.
Several countries have already widely adopted biofuel blends. The United States has used E10 since the 1980s and has expanded the use of E85 for flex-fuel vehicles. Countries such as the Philippines and Thailand are also promoting E15 and are planning to move towards E20 from 2026.
Vietnam's Department of Innovation, Green Transformation and Industrial Promotion under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said E10 is only the first step in the country's biofuel roadmap, with authorities planning further studies on future transitions to E15, E20 and higher blends.
The ministry said promoting bio-gasoline offers four major advantages - reducing dependence on imported fossil fuel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, improving public health through reduced air pollution, and enhancing engine performance through higher octane levels.
Officials said the transition to E10 is not merely a change in fuel type but part of a broader strategy aimed at cleaner transportation, improved fuel security and long-term environmental sustainability.