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.

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2,252 comments

  1. I have a 65 plate Toyota Yaris, I take it I will be able to use the new E10 fuel. By the way you state that e5 fuel will still be attainable through the superleaded pump. Does this mean superleadedno longer available or that this pump will be discharging e5 at superleaded prices which were always more expensive, or is superleaded being done away with. Will the E10 be at the same price as the E5 or is this another ruse to increase the price of petrol!

    Reply

    1. Hello Margaret, thanks for your comment.

      Yes, your Yaris will be compatible with E10 fuel. The E10 will become the new standard and an E5 superunleaded variant will be offered by select petrol stations. We can’t comment on pricing of either variant.

      Thanks

      Reply

  2. Please can you confirm my old Toyota Yaris GF52XAM is compatible with E10 ?
    The car manual is too old to mention E10

    Thank you
    Tim

    Reply

  4. Hi, I have a really old Toyota Yaris reg starts V210 I’m assuming it won’t take E10? Thanks Kelly

    Reply

    1. Hi Kelly, thanks for your comment.

      Yes that is correct, we’d recommend the E5 fuel for your Yaris. The owner’s manual should confirm this too.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Maggi, thanks for your comment.

      E10 fuel should be ok to use, but we cannot confirm this if it is not a UK spec vehicle.

      There should be confirmation in the owner’s manual and inside the fuel filler cap.

      Thanks

      Reply

  7. Can you confirm if an R reg (1997) Previa can use E10. I appreciate it says January 1998 onwards in your article but thought I’d check just in case.

    Reply

    1. Hi John, thanks for your comment.

      We can’t confirm due to the age of this vehicle. Please take a look in the owner’s manual and inside the fuel filler cap.

      Thanks

      Reply

  8. Hi, I have a Toyota Aygo, Reg VU60XEW, first registered September 2010, label on the filler cap has 95/98 but I am hoping that’s because its an older car. Have done a bit of searching on internet and I am getting conflicting results as to weather I can use the E10 petrol in it, can you help please?
    Thanks
    Claire

    Reply

    1. Hi Claire,

      As detailed above…

      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 2010 Aygo can use E10.

      Thanks

      Reply

  9. Just wondering about E10. I put a tank full in my 2006 Corolla and within less than 5 miles my engine light started flashing and engine misfiring…garage says misfiring code recommended spark plug replacement….any chance anyone has suggestions?

    Reply

    1. Hi,

      Sorry to hear this. Please contact your nearest Toyota centre so they can take a look and advise.

      Thanks

      Reply

  10. Hi, V980KMS here, 1.6 Corolla wagon from ’99 I’ve had since new….really hoping mine is good as nearest super unleaded station is quite a distance from me.
    Thankyou.

    Reply

    1. Hi,

      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 1999 Corolla can use E10.

      Thanks

      Reply

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