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 i have a 2005 toyota estima 2.4 petrol 4wd and i interesting this compactible with e10 petrol

    1. Hi Kierson,
      Thanks for your question.
      Unfortunately, this vehicle cannot use E10 petrol.
      Please continue to use E5.
      Thanks.

      1. Thanks for getting back to me.
        I have actually been using E10 for a few months, as I didn’t realise!!
        No obvious problems so far – is there anything else I should do except for switching to E5 now?

      2. Hi Kierson,
        The fuel probably won’t do any damage instantly, but it could cause long term damage.
        If you have a full tank of E10 fuel, we recommend getting it drained and replacing with E5 fuel.
        If you’ve only put in a few litres, you could fill the rest of the tank up with E5 fuel to mix the different fuels.
        Hope this helps.
        Thanks.

  2. I have an older model RAV4 (reg Y587 HAV) which has been back to the garage 6 times since I bought it 3 months ago. They now say the running problems are down to E10 petrol. Your guidance seems to suggest it should be able to run on E10 but please could you confirm the appropriate fuel type required from the registration number?
    Many thanks.

    1. Hi Fiona,
      Thanks for your question.
      We are sorry to hear this.
      Since this vehicle was produced after January 1998 and is not one of the vehicles listed as an exception, it should be compatible with E10 petrol.
      Thanks.

  3. Hi,

    My Toyota Sienta (manufactured in 2018) is a imported car from Hong Kong with engine model 2NR-FKE. I just realized that E10 isn’t suitable for all cars. It will be good if you could clarify for that.

    Thanks,

    Lenny

    1. Hi,
      Thanks for your question.
      We cannot find this vehicle on our systems.
      Please can you confirm the Vehicle Registration and that it is a UK vehicle.
      Thanks.

  4. Hi, I have just purchased a 1999 UK spec 1st generation previa. Though it seams to be ok useing e10, surly this engine is no different to an enging of the same car but let’s say from a 1997? I know they put the 2.4vvti engine in the second generation prevua but would have assumed all 1st generation cars to have the same engine!

    1. Hi Nicholas,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this for you.
      Thanks.

  5. Hello,
    my 2004 Toyota Yaris was registered overseas according to the V5C logbook, I’m ok to use E10 petrol, reg number GV04 FRP
    Kind regards Gabor

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