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.

Read more Toyota hybrid – how does it work?

2,248 comments

    1. Hi Godfrey, thanks for your comment.

      We’re not able to confirm the suitability of the E10 fuel for your import. We’d recommend taking a look in the fuel cap and owner’s manual.

      Thanks.

    1. Hi Menno,
      As your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
      Please continue to use E5.
      Thanks.

  1. Hi,
    Im driving toyota aygo 2009. Could you please let me know that I can use E10 petrol for my 2009 model.

    I’m bit confused about that as its made before 2011.

  2. Why can’t the Avensis 2.0 1AZ-FSE use E10 fuel? What could happen? The second generation Rav4 2.0 1AZ-FE has a very similar engine yet apparently it is okay with E10.

    1. Hi Simon,
      Thanks for your comment.
      The 1AZ-FSE engine is incompatible with E10 petrol due to certain features of this specific engine.
      Higher blends of ethanol in E10 petrol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in this particular engine.
      Thanks.

  3. Can my Toyota Prius EO59EHE [Vin begins with J – for Japan?] use E10 fuel, please. First registered 2009

    Thank you

    1. Hi there,
      Both cars should be okay with E10, but you can continue to use E5 if you wish.
      If you would like us to confirm this, please provide the vehicle registrations for both.
      Thanks.

      1. Yes thankyou here are the 2 vechicles reg numbers if you could check please.
        Toyota Aygo. EN06 PYB
        Toyota Yaris EU52 ZBP

        Thankyou.

      2. Hi there,
        After checking both vehicles in our database, we can confirm that they can both definitely use E10 petrol.
        Thanks.

  4. I have a January registered 1998 Rav4 GX 2.0, Can I use E10? it dosnt mention anything in the handbook or fuel cap other than use 95octane fuel
    Thanks

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