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?
I Have a Toyota Yaris first date of registration 2004, CA54AEC. Will I be able to use E10 fuel.
Hi Karen,
As your vehicle is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi there
this is a sticky old question isnt it ……….
I have a Toyota Areas estima 2003 2.4 2AZ-FE engine and a
Toyota Alphard 2007 2.4 2AZ-FE
Everything tells me theyre ok for E10
any comments or confirmation
Cheers
Martin
Hi Martin,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide the vehicle registrations so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Can you check mine R371MHC
Hi there,
As your vehicle is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi, I own a 2005 Avensis. With a 2.0 litre engine. Can I use E10 petrol?
Hi Glen,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi, I believe my car (seventh-generation Toyota Celica T-sport) went on sale in the UK on sale in the UK on 12 November 1999) it is an 03 plate. Could you please confirm if this is suitable to be ran on e10 please,
Kind regards,
Jonothan
Hi Jonothan,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide us with the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Good Morning Toyota
My step-mother drives my late father’s Corolla CD 1.3 automatic which he purchased in April 1998. Reg number R947 EHP. I know it’s after the January 1998 deadline but wonder if it’s still ok to use the new E10 fuel?
They both love(d) driving the car and she still wants to do so for years to come.
Many thanks.
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for your comment.
As your step-mother’s vehicle was produced in June 1997 (before January 1998), it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Good Morning Toyota.
Very many thanks for confirming which fuel to use. We did wonder if the car (or the engine at least) had been produced before 1998.
My step-mother will be delighted she can continue using the car anyway.
We have a year 2000 Toyota IQ mk2. Will it run ok on the new E10 petrol. No mention on the petrol filler cap or the handbook.
Hello Colin,
As your vehicle is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
My Toyota Starlet is on the cusp. S731 EJE. First registered in September 1998, but I just worry it was made before the beginning of the year. Is there any way to check?
Hi Charlie,
As your Starlet was produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Similarly my Toyota Starlet (S940 JAL) is on the cusp. Can that too continue to use E5? Thanks.
Hi Steve,
As your vehicle was produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Or you can continue to use E5 if you prefer.
Thanks.
I have a 97 Starlet (1.3 4eFe) ((exact same engine as in the 98))
Surely I can use E10 even though I have a 97, the cars are identical?
Hi Andrew,
Please provide us with your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Will Toyota Yaris SG11KWM run on E10 fuel.
Hi John,
As your Yaris is produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a 2007 Avensis FP57YEC, I am worried this is on the exception list?
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your comment.
Avensis with a 2.0 litre petrol engine produced between July 2000 and October 2008 cannot use E10.
As your vehicle was produced in October 2007, please continue to use E5.
Thanks
I put E10 onto my 2011 Yaris from a petrol station that had already converted and have had acceleration problems (kangaroo petrol). Back on E5 problems have gone.
Remember mum’s car doing this when 4* was phased out for unleaded.
Is it really compatible?
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for your comment.
As your vehicle is not on the exception list and is manufactured after January 1998, it should be okay to use E10 petrol.
We would always recommend getting your vehicle checked by your nearest Toyota Centre if you think there is an issue.
Our technicians are best placed to diagnose any potential problems with your vehicle.
They can be found here – https://fal.cn/3hdh6
Thanks.
Hi I have a Toyota Yaris 2004 (RL04UAX) will E10 fuel be ok to use.
Hi Alexander,
As your Yaris was produced after January 1998 and is not on the exceptions list, you can use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Hi there, would be grateful if you could advise if the following vehicles can use E10 petrol:
2000 reg RAV4.
2001 reg regius 2.7l (jap import)
Thanks v much
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide the registration for the RAV4 so we can look into this for you.
However, we don’t have any information on imported vehicles so can only recommend that you continue to use E5 fuel in your Regius.
Thanks.