As part of the government’s strategy to reduce harmful emissions from transport, the new E10 petrol grade will be introduced across the United Kingdom from September 2021. Our guide to Lexus and E10 petrol answers a few questions about the change.
While it retains the same 95-octane rating as existing unleaded petrol, E10 petrol will contain a much higher proportion of ethanol. Currently, all petrol supplied at filling stations contains a five percent mix of ethanol, which is why it is known as E5. However, from September 2021, that proportion will be doubled in standard grade petrol and the fuel will be identified by the code E10.
This change will not affect Lexus owners with a diesel-powered vehicle.
Lexus and E10 petrol – which models can use the new fuel?
The good news is that the vast majority of Lexus models with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain and that were officially supplied within the European market since January 1998 are compatible with E10 petrol. The only exceptions to this rule are the following models:
- Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007
- Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007
- Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007
How can I check if my Lexus can use E10 petrol?
All new Lexus models manufactured since 2011 and equipped with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain are compatible with E10 fuel. 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 most filling stations.
You can also use this checker tool created by the government to support the E10 transition.
Can I use E10 petrol in my imported Lexus?
If your Lexus is an imported model that was not official 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.
Lexus and 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 will cut harmful transport emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year – 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.
Lexus and E10 petrol – is this change 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.
Read more How economical is a used hybrid Lexus?
What is it that stops the 4GR-FSE engine using e10?
Are there any modifications that could make it compatible.?
Given we will have to use e10 occassionally, how big a problem is it?
Whilst I currently try to use the premium fuels anyway, availability is scarce in some places so these answers matter.
Hello Jeremy,
Thank you for your comment.
Although your vehicle may be able to run on E10 fuel, over longer periods the higher blends of ethanol can cause corrosion of some rubbers and alloys used in the engine and fuel systems.
We are unable to advise on vehicle modifications that take the vehicle away from manufacturer’s specifications.
As far as we are aware, whilst you will still be able to purchase E5 fuel for some time, availability may vary based on your location.
Thanks.
Are there plans for an addidtive to be made available for those engines that can not take e10 fuel?
Hi David,
Sorry, we have no information on that. E5 fuel will continue to be available, it just won’t be as common as it is today.
Thanks
Can my Lexus G300 1996 use e10 fuel
Hello Albert,
Thank you for your comment.
The fuel you should be using will be detailed either in your vehicle owner’s manual or inside the fuel filler flap.
Thanks.
It does not say in the book what l can use only 95 is recommended ,not any way what l can use today which is E 5 which is high at 1.99 price of this today!.
Hello Albert,
Please provide your Vehicle Registration so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi will the 1uz-fe engine be compatible with e10 fuel? This is on my 1995 Lexus LS400
Hello Remy,
Thank you for contacting us.
The fuel you should be using will be detailed either in your vehicle owner’s manual or inside the fuel filler flap.
Thanks.
can i use e10 fuel in my lexus IS250sel
Hi Barbara,
The only IS that cannot use E10 fuel is the IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007.
If you provide your reg, we can check whether your vehicle is one of these.
Thanks
GY07 WUR Thank you
Unfortunately your vehicle is not designed to run on E10 fuel. E5 fuel should still be available at petrol stations though, just not as the main fuel. Thanks.
Hi,
Can you please check if my car can run E10
Reg: GY57PJV
Hello Kevin, thanks for your comment.
Your vehicle will be fine to use E10 fuel.
Thanks.
Evening, I have a 2008 Lexus ISF and the handbook or fuel filler flap mentions “Unleaded Fuel Only” with the handbook stating RON 95 or higher only. This does not help me in determinig whether I can run this engine safely on E10 fuel. Please can you advise?
Hi Craig, thanks for your comment.
Your vehicle should be cleared for E10 petrol, unless it is the 2.5 litre V6 with engine 4GR-FSE.
What is your registration number please?
Thanks
I have the same issue as Craig (above), handbook and filler cap does not confirm whether I can run on E10. Lexus IS250, Reg NX56 JUW; please advise.
Cheers
Steve
Hi Steven,
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007 are not compatible with E10 fuel. Your 56 plate IS 250 was built in August 2006.
E5 petrol will continue to be dispensed from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.
Thanks
Can I use the E10 fuel
My car reg is MA08XWE
Hi Graham,
Your vehicles has a production date of November 2007, which is just after the exclusion mentioned above:
”Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007”
So, it should be OK to use E10 fuel. E5 fuel will still be available from the super unleaded pump at most filling stations.
Thanks
Lexus is200 FH02MWF can it use e10 fuel thanks
Hi Jamie,
The vast majority of Lexus models with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain and that were officially supplied within the European market since January 1998 are compatible with E10 petrol. The only exceptions to this rule are the following models:
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007
Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007
Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007
Thanks
Can my is 250 run on e10 fuel. Reg E2 MJD
Regards
Hi,
Your vehicle was produced in December 2007, so should be OK to use E10 fuel.
Thanks
Hi will i be able to use E10 fuel on my 2007 RX400H?
Reg GY57FDU
Hi Osman,
As explained in this article, the vast majority of Lexus models with a petrol engine or hybrid powertrain and that were officially supplied within the European market since January 1998 are compatible with E10 petrol. The only exceptions to this rule are the following models:
Lexus IS 250 with 2.5-litre V6 4GR-FSE engine made between August 2005 and September 2007
Lexus GS 300 with 3.0-litre V6 3GR-FSE engine made between January 2005 and September 2007
Lexus LS 460 with 4.6-litre V8 1UR-FSE engine made between August 2006 and September 2007
Thanks