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

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.

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2,248 comments

    1. 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.

      Therefore, your 2012 Yaris can use E10.

    1. 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.

      Therefore, your 53 plate Corolla can use E10.

  1. I have a Toyota Hi-ace Regius manufactured in Japan in 2001 with a 2.7l Petrol engine 51 plate.
    Can I use E10?
    Thanks

      1. Hi David,
        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.

  2. Hello Toyota Team,

    Quick question – I’ve read through the comments and your details, but would appreciate your confirmation.

    We own a Toyota Previa, first registered in March 1998 (but I don’t know the production date).

    Given the Previa originally came out in 1990 and was relatively unchanged throughout it’s production, does this class as a pre-1998 car? It has the 2.4L 2TZ-FE I4 engine.

    Thank you

    1. Hi James,
      Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
      Thanks.

      1. We are based in Jersey, do you have a database for the Channel Islands?

        J3658

      2. Hi James,
        Unfortunately, your vehicle is not compatible with E10 fuel as it was produced before January 1998.
        Please continue to use E5.
        Thanks.

      3. Thank you for confirming – that was important information to find out!

  3. I have a Toyota Starlet, 1997 model, will it be compatible with E10 petrol, or should I find somewhere that has super unleaded?

    1. Hi there,
      Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
      Thanks.

  4. We have a Toyota Alphard imported from Japan. It’s a 54 plate with a 2.5l petrol engine. We have converted to LPG, however. It still uses petrol when first starting the engine for the first mile. Also, if LPG filling stations are not close by you switch to petrol. Can I use E10. If I have to still use E5 will it still be available and most petrol stations as super unleaded?

    1. Hi Simon,
      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.
      E5 should still be available at most petrol stations as super unleaded.
      Thanks.

  5. I have a Japanese imported Toyota estima and it has been lpg converted will it be ok for me to use E10.

    Reg w113aba

    1. Hi John,
      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.

    1. Hi Paul,
      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.

    1. Hi Liz,
      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.

  6. I have a 2005 RAV 4 2.0 xt3vvti which has an engine number 1AZ172…9 Gov.uk fuel checker states the only Toyotas that cannot use E10 are 2.0 & 2.4 Avensis with the 1AZ-FSE & 2AZ-FSE
    Is the 1AZ engine in my Rav the same engine type??

    1. Hi Ian,
      The only vehicles produced for the European Market after January 1998 that cannot use E10 petrol are:
      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.
      However, we can check with your vehicle using your registration if you wish?
      Thanks.

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