Ameer Randolph
Motor vehicles are one of the largest sources of air pollution, with emissions contributing to global warming and climate change. Cleaner fuel options are important to reduce harmful emissions and create a healthier environment for future generations. Electric cars are an increasingly popular option, but there are also other ways to reduce emissions from gasoline and diesel engines, such as using blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85) or alternative fuels like biodiesel. In addition to choosing cleaner fuels, individuals can also reduce emissions by keeping their fuel systems clean and well-maintained, which can improve combustion and reduce pollutants.
Cars that use cleaner fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fuel | Electricity |
| Type of vehicles | Gasoline-powered vehicles |
| Impact | Reduces harmful emissions, creates a healthy environment for future generations |
| Comparison with gasoline and diesel | Lower tailpipe emissions and cost |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars
There are plug-in hybrids that can act like EVs but can also operate like gas-electric hybrids when the battery charge is depleted. EVs are widely recognised as the future of the automotive industry, promising cleaner and greener roads.
Despite the promise of a greener future, the EV industry in the US is facing challenges due to economic and political factors, including rising tensions with China and former President Donald Trump's tariffs, which directly impact how EVs are manufactured. China's control over rare minerals essential for EV production raises concerns about the feasibility of an ecologically utopian future and the potential vulnerability of Western countries dependent on external sources for their transportation needs.
Despite these challenges, several automakers remain committed to an electric future. At the 2025 New York Auto Show, Subaru, Kia, Lucid, and Hyundai showcased new electric vehicles, including the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV9, and the Kia EV4. These companies are expanding the selection of EVs available to consumers, with Kia specifically targeting affordable electric options with its 2026 Kia EV4 model.
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Cleaner-burning diesel alternatives
There are several alternative fuels that burn cleaner than diesel. These include:
Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity or burnt in a combustion engine. In both cases, the primary emission is water rather than carbon dioxide. It can also be produced cleanly through the process of electrolysing water. However, this process is very power-intensive, and most commercial hydrogen is currently produced using natural gas, which is a fossil fuel. Other drawbacks include its high flammability and the energy-intensive processes required to store it in sufficient quantities.
Methanol
Methanol has several advantages over hydrogen, as it can be burned in conventional petrol and diesel combustion engines without needing to be stored under pressure or at freezing temperatures. However, its energy density is lower than that of petrol, meaning it requires a larger volume to store. It is also toxic to humans and corrosive, requiring adaptations to the fuel system. Methanol burns cleanly, producing fewer pollutants than diesel. It is currently produced from natural gas but can also be made by fermenting biomass waste from wood.
LNG
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is another alternative to diesel that is being trialled by the shipping industry. While LNG is still a fossil fuel, it burns more cleanly than diesel and is easier to produce, store, and transport. However, it has a lower density than diesel and requires a gas-specific engine.
In addition to these alternatives, hybrid diesel-electric drivetrains can provide a greener option for boats, allowing for silent running on electric power while retaining the greater range and power of a combustion engine.
It is worth noting that while electric vehicles are an exciting development, they may not be a viable alternative for larger craft due to the weight, volume, and cost of batteries.
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$114 $141.95
Ethanol blends
Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, which provides premium blending properties. Octane number requirements for gasoline prevent engine knocking and ensure drivability. Lower-octane gasoline is often blended with 10% ethanol to attain the standard 87 octanes. Additionally, ethanol blends can help reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and greenhouse gases such as CO2. For instance, E10 can reduce CO emissions by 20-30% under the right conditions and decrease CO and CO2 emissions by an estimated 2% over regular gasoline.
E85, also known as flex fuel, is approved for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are designed to run on E85, gasoline, or any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. FFVs are designed to have an internal combustion engine and look similar to gasoline-only models. Intermediate blends, such as E25 and E30, are also intended for FFVs, providing owners with more options. It is important to note that E85 is not approved for use in gasoline-only model vehicles.
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Fuel injector cleaners
Motor vehicles are one of the largest sources of air pollution, particularly in highly populated areas. The good news is that selecting cleaner fuels is a way individuals can reduce harmful emissions and create a healthier environment for future generations.
One way to ensure your car is running cleanly is to use fuel injector cleaners. These products are designed to clean your fuel system, removing sludge and deposits from your fuel injectors and other parts of the system. This can improve the quality of the combustion process, leading to better performance and lower fuel consumption. It can also help prevent mechanical issues and keep your engine running smoothly for longer.
There are several fuel injector cleaners on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your vehicle's specific needs. Here are some options to consider:
- Liqui Moly: This product contains P.E.A. (polyether-amine), a nitrogen-based detergent that is stable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of a combustion chamber. It is a potent detergent that can clean carbon deposits in fuel systems and is the only cleaning agent proven to clean the combustion chamber, piston tops, and cylinder heads. It also cleans ports, valves, and GDI and port injectors, keeping them clean for up to 3,000 miles.
- Amsoil: This product contains a significant amount of P.E.A., making it effective at cleaning the combustion chamber.
- Chevron Techron: This is a top-rated injector cleaner, but some recommend buying top-tier gasoline instead.
- BG: This gas additive comes in a can and is recommended by mechanics on Reddit.
- Seafoam: This product now has P.E.A. in its formula.
In addition to these specific products, some general recommendations for fuel injector cleaners include:
- Using a product with Mannich detergents, which are effective at cleaning intake valves and injectors, although they may not be robust enough for the combustion chamber.
- For direct injection engines, an aerosol-based P.E.A. cleaner sprayed through the throttle body will clean the injectors and combustion areas.
- Using a cleaner every 3,000 miles or whenever you notice symptoms such as sluggish acceleration and reduced fuel economy.
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Gasoline-hybrid vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors. Conventional hybrids are fuelled with gasoline, while plug-in hybrids can be plugged in to recharge their battery packs. Plug-in hybrids can also operate as normal hybrids. Hybrid vehicles come in many forms, including cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and sports cars. Some hybrids prioritise fuel efficiency, while others use their electric motors to enhance performance.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-litre gas engine and an electric motor, powered by a 13.6-kWh battery. It offers 129 mpg-e and 39 miles of all-electric driving. The standard Prius offers 52 mpg. The 2025 Lexus ES 300h is another hybrid that offers high fuel efficiency. The 2025 Toyota Crown is a full hybrid that can run on battery power alone or use the engine to charge the battery. The Audi A3 is a mild hybrid that achieves 32 mpg. The 2025 Volvo S60 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid with a powerful electric motor that delivers a near full-EV experience for over 40 miles of driving. The urbane Volvo S90 T8 is another plug-in hybrid with 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that is considerably quicker than the standard Outlander. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is known for its fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Cars that use cleaner fuel are vehicles that use alternative sources of energy that are less harmful to the environment than traditional gasoline and diesel engines.
Some examples of cleaner fuel include blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85), electricity, and renewable alternatives to diesel fuel.
Cleaner fuels reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, and help combat global warming and climate change.
Yes, some car models that use alternative fuels include the Toyota Prius (hybrid electric), the Tesla Model 3 (fully electric), and the Honda Civic Natural Gas.
You can improve your car's fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by using fuel injector cleaners and fuel system cleaners, which remove carbon buildup and deposits from the fuel system.
