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?
Hello,
I am an owner of a Toyota Prius 1.8 hybrid 2016, the car was imported from Japan. Please tell me if is safe to use petrol E10 or keep fuelling the 99 E5.
Thank you
Hi,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Is my Toyota yaris reg No DE60YCJ SUITABLE FOR E10 PETROL
Hi Jean,
Your Yaris can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Hi my girlfriend has an 05 carrola would that be ok for e10 petrol.
Hi Martin,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
It’s a little unclear whether the disclaimer about ‘imports’ only covers grey-market imports, or UK-market Toyotas that happened to come from the Japanese production lines, like mine – 2001 Yaris GJ51ADV
(Reposted to clarify UK market, rather than European)
Hi David,
If your car is an imported model that was not officially sold in European markets, we recommend continuing to use E5 petrol.
Grey-market imports are vehicles that have been imported from outside the EU, and have never been available as standard in the UK.
Your Yaris can use E10 petrol, as it was officially sold in the European market.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
Hello
Would you please confirm that I can use E10 petrol for my Toyota Corolla SE 1332 cc, V388 EGN registered November 1999 and this shouldn’t affect the running of the car?
Out of interest, I’ve never used super-unleaded (E5), can this be used as an alternative if necessary or would it damage the car?
Thank you for your help.
Hi there,
We are unable to find your vehicle based on the registration you have provided.
However, E5 can be used as an alternative to E10, it simply has a lower ethanol content.
Thanks.
I have a 1997 registered Camry 2.2 automatic, will that run on E10 ?
Hi Keith,
As your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
I have a Carina E CD auto 1762cc Reg No P824DFL ,
Can I run the car On E10 petrol.
If not and no super unleaded available what are the consequences please and what damage may occur.
Thank you.
Hi Bill,
As your Carina E was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
The higher blends of ethanol in E10 petrol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems of some older vehicles.
Thanks.
My Toyota Avensis reg no AK53 FMC. It only says unleaded petrol and there is nothing in the manual. It implies it may have the engine which does not take E19 can you confirm
Hi Ken,
Your Avensis can use E10 petrol as it is the 1.8 litre model.
Thanks.
My car is a 2004 Rav4 petrol automatic, reg. no. WG04 WVS, the vin no. says it was built in Japan. Can it use E10 petrol?
Hi Rita,
Your RAV4 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
The article says the following:
“Toyota Avensis with 2.0-litre 1AZ-FSE engine made between July 2000 and October 2008” cannot use E10 petrol.
1. I currently own a 2 litre SR model – W reg. Would this have a 1AZ-FSE engine?
2. Are all petrol engines in Avensis 2 litre models up to 2008 of the 1AZ-FSE variety?
3. If I decided to buy an Avensis 1.8 VVTI from around 2004 – 2007 – would this be able to take E10 petrol?
Hi Mike,
Firstly, please provide us with the registration of your current Avensis model so we can look into this for you.
Secondly, all 2 litre Avensis models made between July 2000 and October 2008 have the 1AZ-FSE engine, which is not compatible with E10 petrol.
Thirdly, 1.8 litre Avensis models will be able to take E10 petrol.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Thanks.
Hi My car is LW03HRX Toyota Prius Hybrid, i cant see anywhere in the manual or on the Fuel cap, if it is ok to use E10 petrol please let me know should i use the E10 or E5.
Hi Shiva,
Your Prius can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.