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 Aygo -Reg SB61 CKP. Could you please let me know if I can use E10 petrol. Thankyou
Hi Ken,
Your Aygo can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Can I use E10 in my 1997 RAV4 reg no R865 NSN ? There is no info in the book ,or on the petrol flap.
Hi Tom,
As your RAV4 was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
If ive filled ip with E10 on a 97 Rav 4, do i need to drain the tank?
Hi Dave,
Please provide the vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hello! I have a Camry V6 Auto R699JPB with an Engine No: 1MZ0474677 first registered on 16/09/1997. Will I be able to use E10 Petrol? What is the type of damage that can be done by E10 in the wrong engine/car?
Hi Richard,
As your Camry was produced before January 1998, it is not compatible with E10 fuel.
Higher blends of ethanol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems of some older vehicles.
Thanks.
Hi, can you tell me if my 2002 Celica 190 can use E10? Believe it is an import, Registration number is RO52 BVG.
Thanks.
Hi Stephen,
Your Celica can use E10 petrol.
However, it is worth noting that the vehicle is not an import.
Thanks.
Hi, I contacted a number of places but no clear an answer. I have a 1998 Toyota Corolla. Ref S771 RNC from new. Government guidelines say it is OK for E10 but I would rather be sure rather than destroying probably one of the best built Toyota’s. It was made in Japan for UK Market.
Hi Amar,
Your Corolla can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Thank you so much for this. It really has made it worth while asking the question as the car will now go on and get through the 200,000 mile barrier soon and also means that the car carries on working. Toyota did actually build one of its best models in that generation of Corolla. Simple, Functional and a real workhorse.
Hi Amar,
No problem at all. We are glad to hear your Corolla is serving you well.
We wish you many more happy miles.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a Toyota Auris 2009 model. Can I use E10?
Hi Ashleigh,
Your Auris can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
I have a 2003 Toyota Alphard import and cannot find details anywhere as to whether I can use E10. I have contacted the garage that I purchased it from but they have not reponded
Hi there,
We would recommend you continue to use E5 fuel.
Thanks.
What about a Toyota Yaris year 2000 ??
Is it compatible?
Hi Michele,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi there
Please can you tell me if my Toyota Yaris reg Y503HAP is compatible with E10 fuel? I believe it is a 2000 year car but the plate is old style.
Thanks in advance
Hi Amie, thanks for your comment.
Your Yaris will be fine to use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Is my T Reg (1999) Toyota Hiace Power Van with the 2.7 litre 3RZ-FE engine compatible with E-10 ? My local Toyota Dealership said “Yes it was” can you please confirm? Thank You.
Hi Bruce,
Please provide the full vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
The registration is T882ELG.
Hi Bruce,
Your Hiace can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
I have an Avensis Estate GU59BVP and can’t find out if it will be compatible with E10 fuel. Could you check your database and let me know?
Hi Alan,
Your Avensis can use E10 petrol as it was produced after October 2008.
Thanks.