Sylvie Willis
The automotive landscape in the United States is diverse, with various types of fuels powering the vehicles on the road. Gasoline is the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks, with Americans consuming about 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline in 2022. However, diesel fuel, which offers better fuel efficiency, is preferred for heavy-duty vehicles. Alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, and ethanol are also gaining traction, with electric vehicles (EVs) seeing a 135% growth rate between 2020 and 2022. As the US grapples with carbon emissions from cars, accounting for about a third of the nation's carbon emissions, the vehicle fuel landscape is likely to undergo significant changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common vehicle fuel in the US | Gasoline |
| Number of registered gasoline-powered vehicles in the US | 100 for every electric vehicle |
| Number of electric vehicles in California per 10,000 people | 232 |
| Number of hybrid electric vehicles in California per 10,000 people | 388 |
| Number of plug-in electric vehicles in California per 10,000 people | 93 |
| Number of electric vehicles in Hawaii per 10,000 people | 137 |
| Number of electric vehicles in Vermont per 10,000 people | 65 |
| Number of registered gasoline-powered vehicles in the US (2020-2022) | Increased by 3.5% per 10,000 people |
| Number of electric vehicles on the road in the US (2020-2022) | Increased by 135% |
| Percentage of federal funding for transportation spent on highways for gas-powered vehicles | 80% |
| Percentage of total energy consumption in the transportation sector accounted for by gasoline consumption in 2022 | 57% |
| Percentage of US total energy consumption accounted for by gasoline consumption in 2022 | 16% |
| Percentage of total petroleum consumption accounted for by gasoline consumption in 2022 | 45% |
| Percentage of all gasoline consumption in the US that comes from light-duty vehicles | 91% |
| Main fuel for heavy-duty vehicles | Diesel |
| Alternative fuels | Electricity, hydrogen, hybrid-electric, biodiesel, ethanol, propane, natural gas |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline
The extensive infrastructure for gasoline production and distribution is deeply embedded in American roadways and towns, making it a familiar and convenient choice for drivers. Gas stations are ubiquitous across the U.S., and almost every make and model of car and light-duty truck sold in the U.S. offers a gasoline version. Gasoline engines are designed for the ease of ignition, allowing for smooth starting and efficient operation. This quality is particularly beneficial for high-revving engines commonly found in passenger cars, sports cars, and motorcycles, where quick and responsive engine performance is a priority.
While gasoline remains the dominant fuel in the U.S., the landscape of vehicle fuels is evolving. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, with government programs and incentives promoting their adoption. The growth rate for alternative-powered vehicles, including EVs, is outpacing that of gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the widespread use of gasoline and the established infrastructure present significant challenges for alternative fuels to overcome.
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Diesel
In the US, diesel vehicles are mainly used for commercial purposes, with most diesel options being pickups, SUVs, and cargo vans. Diesel engines are also commonly used in farming, military, and construction equipment, as well as for electricity generation in remote areas. Diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than gasoline, making it a safer option for certain applications.
One reason for the preference for gasoline-powered passenger cars in the US is the perception that diesel is "dirty". Diesel engines are noisier, produce more particle pollution, and are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Additionally, the Dieselgate scandal in 2015, involving Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche, further reduced consumer confidence in diesel vehicles.
However, diesel engines offer some advantages over gasoline. They are more fuel-efficient, have a greater driving range, and are more durable and reliable, requiring less frequent maintenance. These factors make diesel engines attractive to industries such as trucking and cargo transportation, where diesel vehicles can provide significant cost savings over time.
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Electric vehicles
In recent years, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States has been steadily increasing. As of December 2023, there were 4.7 million plug-in electric cars sold in the US since 2010, with sales in 2023 alone totalling 1,402,371 units and a market share of 9.1%first time the American market surpassed the 1 million sales mark. The US had the world's third-largest stock of plug-in passenger cars, after China and Europe.
Despite the growing sales numbers, there are still barriers to the widespread adoption of EVs in the US. One of the main barriers is the cost of electric vehicles. Even with the introduction of tax credits and government incentives, EVs remain significantly more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts. The higher price tag, combined with rising interest rates, can be prohibitive for many average American car shoppers. Additionally, the cost of owning an EV doesn't end with the purchase. In some states, EVs are more expensive to register, and repairs can be more costly.
Another challenge is the availability of charging infrastructure. While initiatives like the "Workplace Charging Challenge" aim to increase the number of charging stations, many Americans face the barrier of not having a suitable place to install home chargers. This, coupled with the fluctuating cost of electricity, can make fuelling an EV less economical than expected.
However, there is a growing interest in EVs among American consumers. Surveys show that an increasing number of new vehicle shoppers are considering EVs for their next purchase. Additionally, electric vehicles have become more efficient over time, and electric utilities have adopted cleaner sources of electricity, reducing the CO2 emissions associated with their use.
By addressing the barriers related to cost and charging infrastructure, the US can further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and work towards a more sustainable transportation future.
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Hydrogen
HFCVs have several advantages, including a long range on a single refuelling and a short refuelling time of around five minutes. Additionally, they do not require long charging times like EVs. However, they also have drawbacks, such as high carbon emissions when hydrogen is derived from natural gas, high energy inputs in production and transportation, and the need for specialised refuelling infrastructure.
In the US, hydrogen-powered vehicles are rare, with only 17,000 or fewer on the roads as of mid-2022, and they are exclusively found in California due to its network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. Since 2015, only three hydrogen-powered cars have been offered for sale: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai. However, Honda has ended production of the Clarity, and Hyundai sold only about 1,600 Nexo SUVs before recalling them due to safety concerns.
Despite the challenges, there is still interest and development in hydrogen-powered vehicles. For example, in 2024, Honda introduced the CR-V e:FCEV, a hybrid vehicle with a hydrogen fuel cell and a plug-in battery, which will be available for lease in California. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers like BMW are investing in the expansion of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure through initiatives like the Clean Energy Partnership.
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Biofuel
In the United States, gasoline is the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks. However, some cars in the US also run on biofuel, which is typically ethanol-based.
In addition to ethanol, biodiesel is another type of biofuel that can be used in diesel engines, including passenger cars and trucks. Biodiesel concentrations of up to 5% (B5) are approved for safe operation in any diesel engine.
While biofuel has advantages in terms of sustainability and emissions, there are also concerns about the competition with food crops for land to grow the fuel source. This is a consideration that may impact the mainstream adoption of biofuels.
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Frequently asked questions
Gasoline is the most common fuel used by American cars. In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline.
Aside from gasoline, diesel is the second most widely used fuel in the US, followed by compressed natural gas (CNG) and biofuel ethanol (E85 or flex fuel). However, the number of electric vehicles on the road is growing, with a 135% increase between 2020 and 2022.
Gasoline is convenient due to its widespread availability and distribution infrastructure. It is also familiar, as almost every make and model of car and light-duty truck sold in the US has a gasoline version. However, it contributes to carbon emissions, with about a third of US carbon emissions coming from cars.
