Home Miscellaneous E10 petrol – what is it and can I use it in my Toyota?

E10 petrol – what is it and can I use it in my Toyota?

By Joe Clifford

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?

2,281 comments

  1. Hello. Can you confirm if My 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4 VVTi can use E10 petrol please? I see that the 2.4 Avensis cannot so wondered if it’s the same engine as my Camry therefore not able to use E10. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Adam, thanks for your question.

      Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Joanna, thanks for your vehicle.

      Please provide a Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  3. I have to say my 2004 hilux runs far better on LPG than on e10. 3.4 ltre petrol. I will.not use e10.in it again. It grumbles a bit and spitters a little with e10 especially if towing. LPG or other petrol- no-issue, all good. I suspect e10 was never what it was cracked up to be. I would be interested in any thoughts. Great vehicle however.

    Reply

  4. Hi

    I’ve recently purchased a Toyota RAV4 hybrid. Reg ND69KVY

    Can you please confirm which petrol types I can use with this car e.g.( E5, e10 etc..)

    Thanks.

    Reply

      1. Thanks, Can I ask why that is the case when similar RAV4’s have been advised to use either or E5

      2. Hi Simon,

        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.

        Additionally, if your vehicle was produced before January 1998, it cannot use E10 fuel.

        As your vehicle does not fall under any of these categories, it is compatible with E10.

        Thanks.

      1. All is it a cam belt or chain as we just have recently purchased it .
        Thanks for your reply.
        Reg X626LGC

  7. Hi Can I use both E10 and E5 for my Toyota Yaris Hybrid 2021 ?

    There is no specifications on the user manual or on the fuel tap.

    Reply

    1. Hi Kornelija, thanks for getting in touch.

      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.

      Therefore, this vehicle would be compatible with both E10 and E5 petrol.

      Hope this helps.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  8. Hi
    I have a toyota estima hybrid 2007 imported, I use tesco e5 momentum 99, is that safe?
    Please advise
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Avking, thanks for your query.

      We cannot advise on imported vehicles. Please contact the Toyota Centre you bought your vehicle from originally to find the relevant information.

      Thanks.

      Reply

  10. Hi,i am thinking of getting the new Prius 5th gen import from Japan,will this run on E5 or E10 only

    Reply

    1. Hi Trevor,
      Thanks for your question.
      Unfortunately, we do not have any information on imported vehicles so we would recommend E5 fuel.
      Thanks.

      Reply

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