Rajan Wilcox
Gasoline is one of the most common types of fuel used for automobiles today. However, there are several alternative fuels that can be used to power cars. Some of these alternative fuels include electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, diesel, and hydrogen. Additionally, some cars can run on a mixture of gasoline and other liquids, such as high-proof alcohol or pure methanol, although this may negatively impact performance and engine longevity. The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cars that run on a different fuel | Gasoline cars can run on hydrogen, compressed natural gas, bio-diesel, ethanol, and electricity |
| Hydrogen as fuel | Easy to ignite, allowing a leaner fuel/air mixture and improving engine efficiency; provides a cleaner and more complete burn than gasoline, resulting in lower pollutant emissions; requires further testing due to the possibility of premature ignition and backfiring; low density means a large volume is required to be stored onboard under high pressure |
| Compressed natural gas as fuel | Cleaner-burning and safer to handle and transport; improves the life of lubricating oils within an engine; non-corrosive, causing less wear on a combustion engine |
| Bio-diesel as fuel | Burns cleaner and emits less carbon dioxide than diesel; can be produced sustainably by recycling leftover oil from deep fryers; may contribute to deforestation and compete with natural resources if derived from crops |
| Ethanol as fuel | Derived from renewable sources such as sugar cane, corn, barley, and other natural products; can power some passenger cars but more commonly used in farm equipment, trucks, and motorbikes/mopeds; required as an additive or in specific concentrations (e.g., E10) in some states to reduce carbon dioxide emissions |
| Electric vehicles | Criticized for not addressing the challenge of increasing pollution levels globally, especially in developing regions; argued to divert attention from improving existing propulsion systems and finding less polluting fuels |
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Hydrogen fuel
Cars can run on a variety of fuels, and one of the most promising alternative fuels is hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, and the only byproduct is water vapour. This makes hydrogen a zero-emission fuel source. Hydrogen is also known for being extremely easy to ignite, which allows for a leaner fuel/air mixture and improved engine efficiency.
While hydrogen fuel cells have been called "mind-bogglingly stupid" by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, some auto executives believe that hydrogen fuel cells have a better long-term future than electric cars. This is because hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in just a few minutes, whereas electric cars take much longer to recharge. Additionally, hydrogen is the most abundant resource in the universe, and renewable sources of hydrogen, such as agricultural and waste sites, are increasing.
Despite the potential benefits of hydrogen fuel, there are some downsides to its use. Firstly, it requires more testing to fully understand its benefits and drawbacks. For example, while hydrogen provides a cleaner and more complete burn compared to gasoline, it has been associated with premature ignition and backfiring. Additionally, due to its low density, a large amount of hydrogen needs to be stored onboard, which can be dangerous.
Despite this, some major automakers are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Toyota, the world's second-largest automaker, offers the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell family car, and has also developed a hydrogen fuel cell-powered semi-truck. Honda has also committed to hydrogen, with nearly 1,100 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles on the road in the U.S. as of 2019. Additionally, governments in Australia have announced plans for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle projects, including the construction of refuelling stations and trials of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in their fleets.
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Compressed natural gas
CNG vehicles require a greater amount of space for fuel storage than conventional petrol-powered vehicles. This is because CNG is a compressed gas rather than a liquid, so it takes up more space for each petrol gallon equivalent. However, this problem can be solved in factory-built CNG vehicles that install the cylinders under the body of the vehicle, leaving the trunk free. Another option is installation on the roof, but this may require structural modifications. CNG locomotives are usually diesel-electric locomotives that have been converted to use compressed natural gas generators instead of diesel generators to generate electricity. Some CNG locomotives can selectively fire their cylinders only when there is a demand for power, theoretically giving them higher fuel efficiency than conventional diesel engines.
CNG is also used to transport natural gas by sea for intermediate distances, using CNG carrier ships, especially when the infrastructure for pipelines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) is not in place. At short distances, undersea pipelines are often more cost-effective, and for longer distances, LNG is typically more cost-effective. Natural gas vehicles have lower maintenance costs than other hydrocarbon-fuel-powered vehicles, and CNG fuel systems are sealed, preventing fuel losses from spills or evaporation. The driving range of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) is generally less than that of comparable diesel or gasoline vehicles due to the lower energy density of natural gas, but extra storage tanks can increase the range.
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Electric vehicles
One of the most talked-about electric vehicles is the BMW A6 e-tron. This car stands out for being the first all-electric executive-sized estate on the market. It is refined, comfortable, easy to drive, and swift. The BMW A6 e-tron also has a long range between charges and is super-smooth and refined.
Another notable electric vehicle is the Renault Megane. This car offers a well-finished cabin and a desirable, handsome design. It is a sensible choice for those seeking a competent, well-rounded electric vehicle.
The Porsche Macan is also worth mentioning. This electric SUV is fast, comfortable, and well-made. It stands out for its practicality and handling finesse, making it a great choice for both city driving and twisty roads.
While electric vehicles offer a promising alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars, critics argue that we should also focus on making existing propulsion technologies greener. This includes improving the technology and finding less polluting fuels to burn, such as compressed natural gas, which is known for its cleaner-burning and safer handling characteristics.
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Biofuels
Bioethanol, a type of biofuel, is being produced at a research centre in northern Japan by carmakers like Toyota Motor. They are encouraging the use of this plant-based fuel to reduce the carbon footprint of combustion engine cars. Ethanol is also blended with gasoline in the United States and Australia, and in some South American markets, neat ethanol is available straight from the pump. However, pure ethanol is not commonly used to power passenger cars.
Biodiesel is another type of biofuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease for use in diesel vehicles. While biodiesel is an option for some diesel cars, it can cause significant engine damage for most cars. Motorists interested in using solely biofuels in their vehicles are advised to research the compatibility of their car with certain biofuels to avoid engine damage.
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Diesel engines
Trucks and smaller vehicles with diesel engines typically run on diesel fuel, which is less flammable than gasoline and has a low viscosity. However, larger diesel engines, such as those found in marine vessels, use fuel oil, which has a much higher viscosity and requires heating before use. This is because of the size of these engines, which are designed to deliver significant power to move and propel large ships.
Some diesel engines, particularly those used by the US military, are multi-fuel engines capable of running on various flammable fuels, including gasoline. Naval vessels with diesel engines can also run on jet fuel, although bunker oil is more commonly used.
In addition to these alternatives, diesel engines can also run on ethanol, which is already being mixed with gasoline in some countries. While pure ethanol is not commonly used in passenger cars, it is used to power farm equipment, trucks, and motorbikes. Hydrogen is another alternative fuel that can be used in internal combustion engines, offering improved efficiency and a cleaner burn compared to gasoline. However, it requires further testing to determine its benefits and downsides fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cars can run on alternative fuels such as electricity, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and even hydrogen. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease for use in diesel vehicles. Ethanol is a widely used renewable biofuel made from corn, sugar cane, barley, and other natural products. It is often blended with gasoline for use in vehicles. Hydrogen is another alternative fuel option for cars, but it is not very common and requires more testing to determine its benefits and downsides.
Using alternative fuels can help improve efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions compared to conventional fuels. For example, vehicles running on a CNG system produce 80% fewer carbon emissions than those burning gasoline. Additionally, some alternative fuels like biodiesel burn cleaner and emit less carbon dioxide than diesel fuel.
Yes, there can be some drawbacks or challenges associated with using alternative fuels in cars. For example, the production of synthetic fuels or electricity from ambient carbon dioxide gas is currently laborious and expensive. Additionally, some alternative fuels may require modifications to the fuel system or engine design changes to function optimally. Storing certain alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, can also be challenging due to the space and pressure requirements.
