Filling stations in Europe are upgrading for biofuels. According to an EU directive, fuels must contain certain proportions from non-fossil sources. In France and Austria, for example, unleaded 95 is only available in many places with the suffix E10, where the number stands for the percentage of CO₂-neutral ethanol. In Germany, E5 is particularly widespread.
More and more fossil-free fuels are also being used in Switzerland: in 2024, the average biogenic share of petrol in Switzerland was 3.7 percent, compared to 6.7 percent for diesel. Compared to the previous year, there has been significant growth in diesel in particular. The reason for this is that a few petrol stations have been providing HVO for cars since 2025.
If you drive a diesel car and are unsure whether the car can take HVO 100, you need to look at the petrol cap. If it is labelled XTL, you can fill up with HVO 100.
If you are unsure whether your car is compatible with E10, check the petrol cap for the E10 symbol or check online: Can I fill up with Super E10? Check now!
The fuel B10, diesel with up to 10 % biodiesel, is not yet available in Switzerland. Whether the car is suitable for B10 can also be seen on the petrol cap.
Imports and the production of biogenic fuels are only permitted in Switzerland if they are produced from waste or residues. Biogenic fuels that are produced from food or animal feed are prohibited so as not to compete with food and animal feed production.
Source for this article: Biofuel: caution with older cars - 20 Minuten
Biofuels Switzerland
Association of the Swiss Biofuels Industry
Bahnhofstrasse 9
CH-4450 Sissach