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. Hiya
    I have a 2023 CHR 2LT GR SPORTS

    CSN I USE E5, as I’ve read up n you get not MPG from it. Plus I want the best for my car n don’t mind paying the extra

    Reply

      1. i have 2004 toyota corolla 3dr hatchback 1.6 vvti auto ,had it 5 months I currently use E10 , would changing to E5 make any difference

      2. Hi Dale,

        Please provide your vehicle registration so that we can assist you with this.

        Thanks.

      3. I have a Toyota estima 2.4 petrol Japan import I’ve been using E5 to be safe but will it run on e10

    1. Hi James, 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.

      Therefore, these two vehicle should be compatible.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Peter, thanks for your comment.

      We cannot locate this vehicle registration number on our records, nor on the government website.

      Please double check this registration is correct so we can look into this for you.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      1. I will appreciate if you can check the following VIN number: (the car manufacture date is April 1997). It is a 4EFE engine.

      2. Hi Peter, thanks for getting in contact.

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

        Please let us know if you have any further questions.

        Thanks.

    1. Hi Victor, 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.

      Therefore, this vehicle should be compatible with E10 petrol.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Debbie, 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.

      Therefore, this vehicle should be compatible with E10 petrol use.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Mick, 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.

      As this vehicle was in September of 1998, this vehicle should be compatible with E10.

      Hope this helps.

      Thanks.

      Reply

    1. Hi Jaspal,
      Your vehicle cannot use E10 petrol because it was manufactured before 1998.
      Please continue to use E5.
      Thanks.

      Reply

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