Home Miscellaneous E10 petrol – what is it and can I use it in my Toyota?

E10 petrol – what is it and can I use it in my Toyota?

By Joe Clifford

The new E10 petrol grade is being introduced across the United Kingdom from September 2021. The move is part of the government’s strategy to reduce harmful emissions from transport

Although the new E10 petrol retains the same 95-octane rating as existing unleaded petrol, it contains a much higher proportion of ethanol. Currently, all petrol supplied at filling stations contains a five per cent mix of ethanol, which is why it is known as E5. However, from September 2021, that proportion will be doubled in standard grade petrol. The fuel will be identified by the code E10.

This change will not affect Toyota owners with a diesel-powered vehicle.

Which Toyota models can use E10 petrol?

If your Toyota has a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain and was officially produced for European markets since January 1998, it will be compatible with E10 petrol.

The only exceptions to this rule are the following vehicles:

  • Toyota Avensis with 2.0-litre 1AZ-FSE engine made between July 2000 and October 2008.
  • Toyota Avensis with 2.4-litre 2AZ-FSE engine made between June 2003 and October 2008.

If your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it cannot use E10 fuel.

Can you use E10 petrol in imported cars?

If your car is an imported model that was not officially sold in European markets, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded, which has a higher octane rating. Having received queries from owners regarding specific imported models, we are investigating this further.

E10 petrol

How can I check if my Toyota can use E10 petrol?

This can be confirmed by checking the owner’s manual or looking at the information printed on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If you are still unsure, use E5 petrol, which will continue to be dispensed from the super unleaded pump at many filling stations.

E10 petrol

Why is the ethanol content being increased?

Ethanol is a renewable, non-fossil biofuel produced from sustainable sources. It is made using by-products from the farming industry, such as those from wheat, corn and sugar crops.

By increasing the proportion of biofuel in petrol, the content of fossil fuel and therefore our reliance on it decreases. This will reduce the overall levels of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from vehicles and help the government achieve its climate change targets. It has been calculated that this change from E5 to E10 petrol will cut harmful transport emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year. That’s the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

E10 petrol

Why isn’t the ethanol content much higher?

The composition of ethanol is different to that of a crude oil based fossil fuel such as petrol. Higher blends of ethanol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems of some older vehicles.

A small number of these vehicles will need to continue using E5 petrol, and this will remain widely available at filling stations in super unleaded grade.

Is this change to E10 petrol only happening in the UK?

No. In fact, E10 petrol is already common throughout the world. It has also been the reference fuel used for all new car emissions and performance testing since 2016.

Useful link The government has a simple ‘E10 checker’ tool on its website here.

Read more Toyota hybrid – how does it work?

2,250 comments

  1. We have inherited my Fathers 1996 Toyota RAV4 petrol engine, reg. no P93 VCU with very low miles and in great condition. Am I correct in thinking that this vehicle can only use E5 petrol?

    Reply

    1. Hi Malcolm, thanks for your question.

      If your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it cannot use E10 fuel. Therefore, this vehicle should be compatible with E5 fuel.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Miz, thanks for your comment.

      The following vehicles are not compatible with E10 petrol:

      – Toyota Avensis with 2.0-litre 1AZ-FSE engine made between July 2000 and October 2008.

      As this vehicle was produced in 2001 this would mean E10 is not suitable.

      Hope this helps.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. Hi Amy,
        Thanks for your comment.
        Unfortunately, we do not have any information on non-UK specification vehicles.
        For imported vehicles, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded.
        Thanks.

    1. Hi Fatou, thanks for getting in contact.

      E10 petrol would be compatible with this vehicle.

      Please let us know if you have any further questions.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  5. Hi, I have 2014 toyota prius imported from japan to Uk. Can I use E10 without any worry to damage the engine?
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Raja,
      Unfortunately, we do not have any information on non-UK specification vehicles.
      For imported vehicles, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded.
      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Lee,
      Unfortunately, we do not have any information on non-UK specification vehicles.
      For imported vehicles, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded.
      Thanks.

      Reply

    2. Hi, i have toyota Corolla hybrid 2020 model, it says e5, e10 i can use but my question is , is there any issue in car parts if i use e10 since its a quite new model so wanted to know the best way to keep my car parts in good condition. Thanks.

      Reply

  7. Hi there
    I own Toyota avensis LB55KXL
    I am not sure if I can continue to use E10
    Would be able to check please as I don’t have owners manual

    Thank you very much

    Reply

  8. Hi, I have a 1993 UK Corolla E10 Executive 1.6 4AFE. Can it tolerate E10 petrol for any length of time? I’ve only just realised that’s all that’s being sold in Ireland. Will a fuel additive help?

    Reply

  10. Hi I have a 2021 GR Yaris High Performance engine type G16E-GTS imported from Japan is this compatible with E10 fuel

    Reply

    1. Hi Niall,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Unfortunately, we do not have any information on non-UK specification vehicles.
      For imported vehicles, we recommend staying on E5 by using super unleaded.
      Thanks.

      Reply

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