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.
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.
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.
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?
Hi Toyota, will a 2016 Import Toyota Sienta be affected? Thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, we are unable to advise on imported vehicles.
Thanks.
I have a 1992 toyota celica 2.0 gt st182 is it compatible with the E10 petrol?
Some sites say yes others no
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your comment.
As your vehicle is produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hi good afternoon I have Toyota Yaris 2009 UK model E10 is working in this car
Hi Umair,
Thanks for your comment.
As your Yaris is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exception list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid, will I be able to use the new e10 fuel?
Hi Waheed,
Thanks for your comment.
As your vehicle is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi I have a 1UZ-FE engine and although it came out an LS400, I’m not sure what year the vehicle was manufactured.
The engine is definitely NOT the VVT-i model but beyond that I’m not sure on its age although I believe that it being a none NNT-i qualifies it as pre-’97 and therefore not good on E10 based fuels?
Hi Graham,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi,
I’m afraid I don’t know the registration of the vehicle it came from as it was a donor engine. I do have the engine number but not sure it’s a good idea to post it here?!
Hi,
We recommend continuing to use E5 fuel in that case.
Thanks
I have toyota Prius 2018 model can I use E10?
Hi Hanif,
As your vehicle is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hello, I have a 2003 Avensis T3x 2.0 VVTi. Is this compatible with the new E10 fuel? If not, what are my options beyond using the more expensive and harder to find “Super Unleaded”?
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
GR53FDA
Hi Simon,
Avensis models with the 2.0 litre 1AZ-FSE engine made between July 2000 and October 2008 are unable to use E10 petrol.
As your vehicle was produced in November 2003, it cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
We live in the UK and have an imported 1997 Toyota Ipsum. Am I right in assuming that we will need to continue to use E5 “Super” petrol in the future?
Hi Terence,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on imported vehicles so can only recommend that you continue to use E5 fuel.
Thanks.
I have a Toyota Auris Hybrid year of Manufacture 2011, first sold December 2011. Will my vehicle be ok for E10 petrol ?
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Bn56mvl
Hi
I own a March 1997 Toyota Celica 25 Anniversary Coupe 1.8ltr. 7AFE engine, Reg. P1RJK.
Can I use E10 fuel in it?
As I have read that pre. 1998 Toyota cars are not compatible and this Celica was still produced in different models in 1998 & 1999 what is the difference in a pre 1998 car.
Thank you
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comment.
As your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.