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.
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Hi will my Toyota celica 2003 run on e10 petrol?
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 2003 Celica can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi I have a 1996 Carina CDX 2L petrol hatchback.
The comments so far indicate I cannot use E10 in my car.
However the engine is a 3SFE engine which I think was used in other Toyota models beyond 1998 such as the Rav4.
The question is therefore does the use of E10 follow the type of engine or the type of rubber used before 1998 on all Toyotas.
Did Toyota change the rubber components of a 3SFE engine in 1998 to make the use of E10 OK.
Hi David,
Your vehicle was produced before January 1998, so it cannot use E10 fuel.
Sorry, we have no more information than that.
E5 will still be available, so we’d recommend continuing to use it.
Thanks
Hi
Can you please advise if a MR2 SW20 , First registered in March 1999, would be ok with E10 fuel?
Reg is E15 AFC
Thanx
Hi Steve,
Your MR2 was built in March 1998, so can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi i have a toyota starlet from 1996 is this vehicle compatible with e10 fuel?
Hi Ronnie-Paul,
Thanks for your comment.
Your vehicle was produced before January 1998, so it cannot use E10 fuel.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hi, I have a Toyota Yaris 2009 1.3 petrol, can I use E10 petrol.
Thanks Sue
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 2009 Yaris can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi I drive a petrol auto Rav4 2007 reg NU07LJJ would this car be compatible. I’m sure the engines are same as the Avensis. Thanks for your help and support.
Hi Hamilton,
Thanks for your comment.
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 2007 RAV4 can use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hello,
I have a 2001 Toyota Avensis Verso. Can you please advise if it is E10 compatible?
Thank you!
C Poole
Hi C Poole,
Thanks for your comment.
Please could you provide us with your registration plate? We can then look into this for you.
Thanks.
hi — I’m driving a Toyota Picnic — W886 LBC – is it compatible with E10. Thanks ITm
Hi Timothy,
Thanks for your comment.
As your vehicle was produced after January 1998 and is not on the exclusion list, you can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
thank you — your quick response is much appreciated
Hi – I have a Toyota Estima/Previa from 2001. It was imported from Japan. Will I be able to use E10 petrol in it? Thanks.
Hi Warren,
Thanks for your comment.
Sorry we can’t advise on imported vehicles so we can only recommend that you continue to use E5 fuel.
Thanks.
I have a Yaris verso with 2002 number plate which I think came from Japan Can you confirm that I can use E10 petrol – thanks
Hi Ros,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Please confirm your vehicle registration plate and we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi
I have a Corolla G6 first registered April ‘98, but unsure if it that guarantees it was made after January ‘98. Reg is R311 YOP.
Can it use E10?
Thanks
Hi Phao,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, your vehicle was produced in October 1997, so it is not compatible with E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.