Katerina Swanson
The fuel type for a car depends on the type of engine and vehicle you have. Gasoline and diesel were the only two options for powering a car until recently. However, with the growing need to use renewable fuel sources, several other options are being used more frequently. Gasoline is the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks, with diesel coming in second. Diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient and produce less carbon dioxide than gasoline, but they create nitrous oxide, which causes smog. Other fuel types include liquified petroleum, biodiesel, ethanol, flex-fuel, and electricity.
Fuel Types for Cars and their Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common fuel types | Gasoline, Diesel, Liquified Petroleum, Electric, Hydrogen |
| Gasoline grades | Regular (87 octane), Mid-grade (89-90 octane), Premium (91-94 octane) |
| Gasoline advantages | Easily combustible, quick starting, fast acceleration |
| Gasoline drawbacks | High levels of carbon dioxide, leading cause of pollution and global warming |
| Diesel engines | Better fuel efficiency, lower carbon dioxide emissions |
| Diesel drawbacks | Produces nitrous oxide, causes smog |
| Liquified Petroleum (LPG) | Cleaner and cheaper, used in hybrid cars in the UK |
| Electric cars | Zero emissions, run on electricity stored in a battery |
| Hydrogen cars | Zero emissions |
| Alternative fuels | Ethanol blends, Biodiesel, E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) |
| Fuel grades | Determined by octane level, a measure of fuel stability and resistance to detonation |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline/petrol grades: regular, mid-grade, premium
Gasoline, also known as petrol, is the most commonly used fuel for cars. It is easily combustible, which allows for quick starting and fast acceleration. Gasoline is available in three different grades: regular, mid-grade, and premium. These grades are determined by the octane level of the gasoline, which indicates how well the fuel resists the knocking or pinging that can occur during the combustion process if the air-fuel mixture ignites too early.
Regular gasoline typically has an octane level of 87 and is suitable for most engines. It is the most commonly chosen grade and is usually the cheapest option. Regular unleaded gasoline has been improved over the years with advancements in ingredients and technology, making it a great choice for most drivers.
Mid-grade gasoline falls between regular and premium in terms of octane rating, typically ranging from 88 to 90. This grade is designed for automobiles that require an optimum octane rating to avoid knocking. Some drivers consider mid-grade to be a cost-effective option between regular and premium gasoline. While it has a few more additives than regular gasoline, the performance increase may be difficult to detect.
Premium gasoline has the highest octane rating, typically between 91 and 94 or higher. This grade is designed for high-performance and luxury cars with sophisticated engines. Premium gasoline may result in better mileage and cost savings due to its well-controlled combustion process. It is more stable, meaning it can withstand higher pressure and heat before combusting. However, using premium gasoline in a vehicle that only requires regular gasoline will not provide any added benefits.
It is important to consult your owner's manual to determine the recommended fuel type for your vehicle. The manufacturer's guidelines will specify the minimum octane level and whether premium gasoline is recommended or required. Using unleaded gasoline with octane levels lower than recommended can reduce performance and may cause damage over time.
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Diesel
It is important to note that diesel fuel should not be used in gasoline engines, as this can lead to serious damage. Diesel pumps are usually bright green in colour with a different-sized fuel pump nozzle, to avoid accidentally adding the wrong fuel to a gasoline car.
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Liquified petroleum gas
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a widely used alternative fuel that consists mostly of propane and butane. LPG is a by-product of natural gas and oil refining, and around 60% of the total amount of LPG produced is recovered directly from oil and gas fields. LPG has a typical calorific value of 46.1 MJ/kg, higher than that of fuel oil and premium-grade petrol (gasoline). However, its energy density per volume unit is lower than that of petrol or fuel oil, resulting in higher equivalent fuel consumption.
LPG is considered a clean-burning fossil fuel that can be used in internal combustion engines. It emits less carbon per joule than butane and releases less particulate matter than higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. LPG-fueled vehicles can emit lower amounts of certain air pollutants and greenhouse gases, depending on the vehicle type, calibration, and drive cycle. For example, LPG emits less carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter than diesel. However, LPG emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are typically higher, similar to gasoline.
LPG is used mostly in bi-fuel vehicles, which start on gasoline. Spark ignition engines using gasoline can be converted to LPG or bi-fuel engines by changing the fuel system or adding a parallel LPG fuel system. Conversion kits are available to switch a vehicle dedicated to gasoline to using a dual system, allowing the use of both gasoline and LPG. The LPG-kit can be implemented in nearly all petrol cars, and the conversion cost may be recovered through lower fuel and maintenance costs. However, not all automobile engines are suitable for LPG, as it provides less upper cylinder lubrication, leading to valve wear if the engines are not suitably modified.
LPG is generally stored in pressurized fuel tanks and must be stored in pressure vessels in refineries or gas plants. These containers are typically cylindrical and horizontal or spherical and are designed and manufactured according to specific codes, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code in the United States. LPG containers have pressure relief valves to release LPG to the atmosphere or a flare stack when subjected to external heating sources.
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Electric cars
There are plug-in hybrids that act like EVs but can also operate like gas-electric hybrids when the charge is depleted. EVs do not have engines, which is why they can have smaller fronts.
The future of electric cars in the United States is uncertain due to rising international tensions, especially with China. Former President Donald Trump imposed tariffs that affect the key components and supply chains needed for the production of electric vehicles. China's control over the biggest deposits of rare minerals, which are essential for EV production, has put Western countries in a vulnerable position, as they are dependent on external sources for their means of transport.
Despite these challenges, the conviction that the future is electric persists, with new EVs from Subaru, Kia, Lucid, and Hyundai expected to hit the market.
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Ethanol blends: E85, E15
E85 is a type of fuel designed for "flex-fuel vehicles". It is a blend of 51-83% ethanol and the remainder gasoline. The exact percentage of ethanol in E85 depends on the time of year and weather conditions. In winter, the ethanol content is reduced to avoid cold-starting problems at low temperatures. For example, in Sweden, all E85 flex-fuel vehicles use an E75 blend in winter. E85 pumps are clearly labelled at gas stations and typically have yellow nozzles. Flex-fuel vehicles usually have a yellow fuel cap.
E85 is an exciting fuel option as it is mostly plant-based and renewable. However, ethanol has less chemical energy than gasoline, so users may experience reduced fuel economy compared to using pure gasoline.
E15 is a low-level blend composed of 10.5% to 15% ethanol and gasoline. E15 is approved for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty conventional vehicles. It is currently sold at very few stations across the US due to costly regulatory requirements and a lack of infrastructure. E15 is also subject to several EPA requirements and regulations when being sold.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common fuel types for cars are gasoline, diesel, and electricity. However, there are other fuel types, such as liquified petroleum, biodiesel, ethanol, and hydrogen.
Gasoline, also known as petrol, is the most widely used fuel type for cars. It is easily combustible, which allows for quick starting and fast acceleration. However, burning gasoline produces high levels of carbon dioxide, which contributes to pollution and global warming. There are generally three different grades of gasoline: regular (87 octane), mid-grade (89-90 octane), and premium (91-94 octane).
Diesel is another popular fuel type, specifically for diesel engines. Diesel engines are often used in heavy-duty vehicles and are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, offering better fuel economy and reduced maintenance. While diesel produces less carbon dioxide than gasoline, it creates nitrous oxide, which causes smog.
Alternative fuel types for cars include liquified petroleum, also known as propane, which is a cleaner and cheaper form of fuel used in hybrid cars in some countries. Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable liquid fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. It can be used in diesel vehicles with low percentages without engine modification. Ethanol, a plant-based renewable fuel, is often blended with gasoline to create flex-fuel or E85, which can be used in flex-fuel vehicles. Electric cars are also an alternative, running solely on electricity stored in a battery.
