Biofuels

Made responsibly, used efficiently

New engine technologies are not the only way we are working to develop cleaner vehicles. We are also aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by looking at low-carbon fuels, such as biofuels.

An alternative low carbon solution

Biofuels are a proven, viable energy source that can be made from many different renewable sources, even waste products. As a liquid alternative, they can be blended with petrol and diesel.

We are involved in the research of new biofuels that do not rely on using food crops, making sure that these fuels achieve the kind of performance quality motorists expect from conventional petrol and diesel.

Responsible biofuel production

Biofuels can be made from a wide variety of sources. Currently most production of so-called first generation biofuels uses raw materials derived from food crops. For example, sugar cane is used to make bioethanol, and biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils. They can be blended with petrol or diesel, in volumes specified by European standards. Toyota and Lexus vehicles made for the European market can use petrol blended with up to 10% bioethanol (E10, meeting standard EN228), or diesel blended with up to 7% biodiesel (B7, meeting standard EN590).

To move away from food crop-based biofuels we promote the use of new, second generation biofuels. These are produced from waste products such as straw or wood, and – in the longer term – even from algae. To make sure there is no negative impact on vehicle performance and customer satisfaction it is crucial that the quality of the final fuel is maintained.

/
Our commitment to best practice
  1. Biofuels must be produced with minimum impact on the environment. We support this through our membership of the European Biofuels Technology Platform, calling for sustainable biofuel production methods and products.
  2. Biofuel production should not compete with food production. We promote the development of second generation biofuels made from waste materials from agriculture and forestry, gradually moving away from using food crops.
  3. Biofuels should not have a negative impact on a vehicle’s performance. We support the work of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), helping to draw up common fuel standards. We also want to make sure these standards are introduced simultaneously across different national markets, to secure consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
Future research and development

We have invested in research into new, second generation bioethanol made from wood and straw. Although we are only at an early stage in this work, we have identified potential big savings in greenhouse gases from this new fuel.

Through our work with the Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE), we are looking at bio-alternatives to diesel that can be made from a wide variety of sources, including biomass. These paraffinic fuels include Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is being produced and sold commercially. HVO can be used in existing and future diesel engines, which will contribute to lowering their harmful emissions levels.

More about

The all-new Toyota Yaris The all-new Toyota Yaris When you have this much energy, Why Stop? As Toyota Unlocks As Toyota Unlocks As Toyota Unlocks, we are open and as committed as ever to providing you the support you need to get you back up to speed. We’re doing this with the same care and attention we give on every Toyota car. WLTP: New test for fuel economy and emissions WLTP: New test for fuel economy and emissions The Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) has been introduced to give consumers a more realistic understanding of a car's emissions and fuel economy performance. Prius Plug In environmental information page Prius Plug In environmental information page Our world faces many challenges, from climate change and air quality to energy efficiency and safety. With the Prius PHV (the plug in version of our world famous Prius hybrid vehicle), we are reinforcing the line-up of our eco-car range with a vehicle that offers the best of EV driving for short distances with none of the range anxiety for long journeys.
Toyota Environment Toyota Environment At Toyota we feel that we have a responsibility to be leaders in protecting and improving the environment. Long-distance driving with Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell car Long-distance driving with Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell car Europe’s network of hydrogen fuelling stations is continually expanding. In practice though, is it really possible to drive a hydrogen fuel cell car from northern Europe to southern Europe? Jacob Krogsgaard, CEO of H2 Logic, put it to the test with his Toyota Mirai. The Toyota Mirai: Making a start for the better The Toyota Mirai: Making a start for the better Our world faces many challenges, with Mirai we are making a start for the better, to ensure that we can enjoy a future that cares about the environment. Company car drivers Company car drivers With Toyota BusinessPlus, choosing a company car becomes easier; you’ll enjoy vehicles with a worldwide reputation for quality and reliability, high levels of specification and value for money, not to mention one-on-one support and solutions tailored to you. Our consultants are here to give you peace of mind and to help make those important choices easy.
Shopping tools

Copyright © Toyota

Your cookie settings

We use cookies on our website to provide you with a better service. If you are happy with this continue to use the website as normal, or find out how to change your cookie settings.

Confirm your preferences by selecting checkbox if you agree or deselecting if you do not agree:

OK