Premium vs. Standard Fuel: What to Choose for Fleet Fuel

For fleet managers, the choice between premium and standard fuel can significantly impact both vehicle performance and operational costs. With fuel prices predicted to remain volatile in 2025, it’s crucial for fleet managers to make an informed decision about fuel types. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between premium and standard fuel, their compatibility with fleet vehicles, and whether premium petrol is worth the extra cost.

Defining Premium and Standard Fuel

The primary distinction between premium and standard fuel lies in their octane ratings. Standard fuel (E10), typically has an octane rating of 95 in the UK. Premium fuel (E5), on the other hand, boasts a higher octane rating of 97.

Octane rating measures a fuel’s ability to resist “knocking” or “pinging” during combustion. Higher octane fuels are more stable and less likely to ignite prematurely in the engine, which can cause damage over time.

Is Premium Unleaded Worth It for Fleet Vehicles?

The question of whether premium unleaded is worth it for your fleet depends on several factors:

• Vehicle requirements: Some high-performance engines are designed to run on premium fuel and may suffer reduced performance or potential damage if using regular fuel.
• Fuel efficiency: While premium fuel may offer slightly better fuel economy in some cases, the improvement is often minimal and doesn’t offset the higher cost.
• Engine protection: Premium fuels with higher octane ratings such as premium unleaded can provide better protection against knocking, potentially extending engine life in certain vehicles.
• Cost considerations: Premium fuel typically costs around 10p more per litre than regular fuel, which can add up significantly for large fleets.

Compatibility of Premium Fuel with Fleet Cars

Most modern fleet vehicles are designed to run efficiently on standard fuel. However, some high-performance or luxury vehicles may require or recommend premium fuel. It’s essential to consult your vehicles’ owner manuals or speak with the manufacturer to determine the appropriate fuel grade for each vehicle in your fleet.

Using regular fuel in a vehicle that requires premium can lead to reduced performance, lower fuel efficiency, and potential engine damage over time. Conversely, using premium fuel in a vehicle designed for regular fuel typically offers no significant benefits and simply increases fuel costs unnecessarily.

Does Premium Petrol Offer Better Quality?

While premium petrol does have a higher octane rating, it’s not necessarily of better quality than standard fuel. Both premium and standard fuels must meet the same basic quality standards set by regulatory bodies. The primary difference is the octane rating, which affects how the fuel behaves in the engine.

Some premium fuels may contain additional detergents or additives that can help keep engines cleaner, but these benefits are often minimal and may not justify the extra cost for most fleet vehicles.

Additionally, a common misconception is that premium fuel lasts longer compared to regular fuel. However, for most standard vehicles, the difference is minimal—typically only a few additional miles. These cars are designed to perform efficiently with regular fuel, which is readily available at supermarket fuel stations.

Is Premium Petrol Worth Using for Your Fleets?

For most fleet vehicles, standard fuel is sufficient and more cost-effective. However, there are scenarios where using premium fuel might be beneficial:

• Vehicles specifically designed for premium fuel
• High-performance vehicles under heavy load or in extreme conditions
• Older vehicles prone to knocking or pinging

It’s worth noting that mainly luxury cars with high-performance engines require premium fuel. However, for the vast majority of fleet vehicles, the extra cost of premium fuel doesn’t translate to significant performance or efficiency gains.

Effective Fuel Management with WEX Fleet Cards

Regardless of whether you opt for premium or standard fuel, effective fuel management is crucial for controlling costs and optimising fleet operations. WEX Fleet Cards offer a comprehensive solution to help you manage your fleet’s fuel expenses more efficiently.

With WEX Fleet Cards, you can:

• Track fuel expenses in real-time
• Set spending limits and restrictions
• Access detailed reporting and analytics
• Benefit from fuel discounts at participating locations
• Simplify expense management and reduce administrative burden

By leveraging the power of WEX Fleet Cards, you can make informed decisions about fuel usage, whether you’re using premium or standard fuel. Our advanced reporting tools allow you to analyse fuel consumption patterns, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to reduce overall fuel costs.

Conclusion

While premium fuel may seem like a tempting option for enhancing fleet performance, it’s rarely necessary or cost-effective for most fleet vehicles. Standard fuel is typically sufficient and can help keep operational costs in check. The key to optimising your fleet’s fuel efficiency and costs lies not in the grade of fuel used, but in implementing effective fuel management strategies.

WEX Fleet Cards provide the tools and insights you need to make data-driven decisions about your fleet’s fuel consumption. By partnering with WEX, you can ensure that every pound spent on fuel, whether premium or standard, contributes to your fleet’s efficiency and your company’s bottom line.

Ready to take control of your fleet’s fuel management? Contact us and learn more about how WEX Fleet Cards can help you optimise your fuel expenses today.