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.
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Lexus IS250 SE registered 26.11.2005 GSE20(E) variant. Can I use E10 petrol please? Thank you Eve
Hello Eve, thanks for your comment.
Please could we have your registration number?
Thanks.
V888EVE it’s a personalised number plate.
Hello Eve,
Your IS 250 is not compatible with E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hi I have a Lexus IS250 Reg No BN57ZCE is it ok to use E10 in this car?
Hello Victor,
Your IS 250 cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
I have an IS250 engine number 4GR0379580
Reg. number OIG252 can I use E10
Hello Michael,
Your IS 250 cannot use E10 petrol.
Please continue to use E5.
Thanks.
Hi I am buying a lexus rx400h 2008 it is compatible with E10 a d worthy please
Hello Danielle,
This vehicle should be okay with E10 petrol.
Please provide the vehicle registration if you would like us to double check this for you.
Thanks.
Hello – can my GS430 reg BF05JDJ use E10?
Thank you,
Ling
Hello Ling,
Your GS 430 can use E10 petrol.
Thanks.
Thank you very much!
Hi,
I have a Lexus iS250 (SM10 OKZ).
Should i use the new E10 fuel or not??
I ahve used it when it has been the only petrol available at times in petrol stations
Thanks in advance
Keith
Hello Keith,
Thank you for contacting Lexus.
Your IS 250 can use E10 petrol as it was produced after September 2007.
Thanks.
Thank you for the response.
Regards
Keith
Hi I have a Lexus IS250 2007 and have been using E10 fuel,
What damage can this cause?
Hello Umar,
Please provide your vehicle registration.
Thanks.
I have a lexus is250 PG06 YYK can I use e10?
Hello Sheldon, thanks for your comment.
Your IS is not compatible with the E10 fuel and we would recommend that you continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
my car reg is LC07DLN.. can i use E10
Hello Daniel, thanks for your comment.
Your IS is not compatible with the E10 fuel and we would recommend that you continue to use E5 petrol.
Thanks.
Is my 2001 Lexus GS300 suitable for E10 fuel?
Hi David,
Please provide the vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.