Ameer Randolph
The most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks in the US is gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. Diesel, another fuel derived from petroleum, is the second most popular option. However, diesel engines are designed specifically for diesel fuel, and using gasoline in a diesel engine can cause damage. Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen, but most vehicles are not designed to accept these fuels. Electric cars are also gaining popularity, but they require charging before use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common type of fuel | Gasoline |
| Other types of fuel | Diesel, Biodiesel, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, Liquid Nitrogen, Electric |
| Fuel with an octane rating between 89 and 90 | Mid-grade gas |
| Fuel type for luxury and high-performance cars | Premium grade of gas |
| Fuel type for vehicles travelling long distances | Diesel |
| Fuel type that is cheaper and cleaner | Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane) |
| Fuel type that is less expensive than gasoline but leads to lower miles per gallon | E85 |
| Fuel type that is more expensive | Diesel |
| Fuel type that is more stable | Mid-grade gas |
| Fuel type that can be used in a variety of vehicles | Regular gas, Mid-grade gas |
| Fuel type that is more prone to evaporation | Gasoline |
| Fuel type that lasts up to a year | Diesel |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline vs diesel engines
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. However, diesel is another type of fuel obtained from crude oil. While diesel vehicles are generally more expensive, they may be more likely to hold their resale value and get better mileage than gas vehicles. This is due to differences in how the engine burns fuel and the fuel itself.
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, especially on highways. Diesel fuel packs more energy in every gallon than gas fuel, making it more economical overall. Diesel engines are also more durable and last longer than gasoline engines. Many diesel vehicles can achieve 200,000 miles before needing major repairs—double the mileage at which gasoline engines may start requiring more frequent work. Diesel engines have fewer components, which means fewer potential malfunctions. They also have fewer repair and maintenance requirements, representing an overall cost saving.
However, diesel engines are not ideal for city driving or stop-and-start traffic. Gasoline engines are also more suitable for high-performance cars, as they can handle higher compression ratios without requiring premium fuel to avoid engine knock.
In terms of cost, diesel fuel is generally more expensive. However, prices can vary, and in some places, diesel may be cheaper than gasoline. Ultimately, the choice between gasoline and diesel engines depends on individual preferences and driving needs.
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Standard fuels
In the UK, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is available at most fuel stations and is cheaper than petrol and diesel, but cars need to be specially converted to run on it. Biofuels are also available but are not widely commercially accessible. They are currently blended with standard unleaded petrol and diesel to make them more environmentally friendly. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common in the UK and do not require any fuel, instead running on rechargeable batteries.
In California, zero-emission cars that run on electricity and hydrogen are critical to meeting air quality, public health, and climate goals. While gasoline remains the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks, diesel fuel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and biofuel ethanol (E85) are also used. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel economy and lower maintenance, and modern diesel engines often emit less carbon dioxide than gasoline engines.
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Octane ratings
The octane rating of a fuel is a measure of its ability to avoid 'knock'. Knock occurs when fuel is prematurely ignited in the engine's cylinder, which degrades efficiency and can be damaging to the engine. Knock is virtually unknown to modern drivers as fuels now contain an oxygenate that prevents knock by adding oxygen to the fuel. This oxygenate is commonly referred to as octane.
The higher the octane number, the more resistant the gasoline mixture is to knock. The use of higher octane fuels also enables higher compression ratios, turbocharging, and downsizing/downspeeding, all of which enable greater engine efficiencies and higher performance. Typically, the higher the octane rating of a fuel type, the better the fuel will perform in a vehicle. Higher octane gas will help alleviate that rattling or knocking sound, and you'll often find luxury or higher-end models requiring gas with a higher octane rating.
Retail gasoline stations in the United States sell three main grades of gasoline based on octane level: 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 91-93 (premium). However, the difference in prices between premium and lower octane grades has also increased. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the octane rating of the fuel to use in a car, especially during the warranty period. Choosing the wrong fuel type or grade can be a waste of money and could damage the car's engine.
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Alternative fuels
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. However, there are several alternative fuels available for cars that run on petroleum.
E85
E85 is a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol. It is less expensive than gasoline but leads to lower miles per gallon. E85 is the most popular alternative fuel, with over 65 million flex-fuel automobiles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks by the end of 2021.
Electricity
Electric cars run on electricity instead of gas. Before hitting the road, the operator needs to ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged. Some hybrid models use both a gasoline engine and an electric engine to power the vehicle efficiently. Examples of electric cars include the Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S, and BMW i3.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, recycled cooking grease, or cooking oil and grease. It can be used in any car with a diesel engine, although the oil and grease must first be converted into biodiesel through a chemical process. Biodiesel enthusiasts claim that it is cheaper and cleaner than fossil diesel, and it makes your car smell like french fries!
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
LPG is a low-pressure liquefied gas mixture composed mainly of propane and butane. It burns in conventional gasoline combustion engines with less CO2 than gasoline. Gasoline cars can be retrofitted to LPG and become bifuel vehicles.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
CNG has a high energy density, making it suitable for those interested in long ranges while running on natural gas. The Honda Civic GX is an example of a vehicle that runs on CNG.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen can fuel two types of cars: fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with an internal combustion engine engineered to use hydrogen instead of gasoline. In a fuel cell vehicle, hydrogen is used to generate electricity that powers electric motors, with water vapor as the only byproduct.
Other alternative fuels that are less commonly used in cars include liquid nitrogen and butanol.
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Electric cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more energy-efficient than traditional cars. They operate with only around 11% energy loss, meaning that most of the energy that goes into the car is used to turn the wheels. Because the vehicle doesn't burn fuel, there is no thermodynamic penalty for converting heat to motion. EVs can also recapture energy during braking, boosting overall efficiency.
The electricity that powers EVs comes from a variety of sources, some of which are more efficient than others. In states like South Dakota, Idaho, and Washington, where most electricity is generated from renewables, driving an EV requires about 70% less energy than a gasoline vehicle. Even in West Virginia, where over 90% of electricity comes from coal, an EV still uses around one-third less energy than a gasoline vehicle.
While many EVs carry "zero emissions" badges, this is not entirely accurate. Some emissions are created in the process of building and charging the vehicles. Nevertheless, electric vehicles are generally a lower-emissions option than cars with internal combustion engines. Over their driving lifetimes, EVs will create fewer carbon emissions than gasoline-burning cars under nearly any conditions.
One source of EV emissions is the creation of their large lithium-ion batteries, which require the use of fossil fuels to mine the necessary minerals and heat them to high temperatures. Building a new EV can produce around 80% more emissions than building a comparable gas-powered car. However, the major source of EV emissions is the energy used to charge their batteries, and the emissions from charging EVs vary based on the energy sources used in different locations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. Diesel is another popular form of fuel, obtained from crude oil, and used specifically for diesel engines.
Other types of fuel include biodiesel, which comes from vegetable oil, liquified petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are also an option and run on electricity rather than gas.
This depends on the car. Regular gas is a good option for most vehicles. Some luxury and high-performance cars are equipped with higher compression engines, which are more likely to experience pre-ignition, and require a premium grade of gas. It is important to read your owner's manual to confirm the octane rating required for your car.
