Mercedes Mullins
There are many different types of fuel that cars can use. The most common type of fuel is gasoline, which is used by the majority of cars and light-duty trucks. However, with growing concerns about environmental impact, zero-emission cars that run on electricity and hydrogen are becoming more popular. Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen, although most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Diesel is another common fuel, although it is much denser than regular fuel and can only be used in certain vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common fuel type | Gasoline |
| Alternative fuel types | Diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric, Hydrogen, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Liquid Nitrogen |
| Fuel blends | E85, E15, E20, E30 |
| Fuel components | Gasoline, Ethanol, Octane |
| Fuel properties | Stability, Resistance to pre-ignition, Volatility |
| Fuel grades | Regular, Premium, Mid-grade |
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars
There are two main types of electric cars: battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). BEVs run solely on electricity stored in a battery, while PHEVs have both a gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor. PHEVs can operate as either traditional gas-electric hybrids or EVs, depending on the charge of the battery.
EVs are generally more efficient than gasoline or diesel engines and can provide cheaper operation per mile. However, they tend to cost more upfront. The cost of operating an EV depends on the cost of electricity and gasoline or diesel in a particular region. Some shoppers are also concerned about the range of EVs and the batteries' capacity and range. However, charging stations for EVs are becoming more widely available, and some models offer quick charging.
Some of the best electric cars on the market include the Porsche Taycan, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Skoda Elroq, the Dacia Spring, the Renault Megane, and the BMW executive-sized estate. Smaller EVs are more popular overseas, but the US is focusing on making electric cars bigger, with 3-row SUVs.
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Gasoline
The process of refining crude oil to produce gasoline was first commercialised in 1891, with the invention of the Shukhov cracking process. This process breaks down heavier hydrocarbons in crude oil to increase the percentage of lighter products. The characteristics of the final product depend on the type of crude oil used, the setup of the refinery, and any additional ingredients included in the blend. The main additive is ethanol, which improves combustion, but other chemicals may be added to improve stability and engine performance.
The formulation of gasoline varies depending on the location and season. For example, gasoline produced for sale in one area of the United States may not be authorised for sale in another due to differing state and federal air pollution control programs. The main difference between winter and summer-grade gasoline is vapour pressure, which is important for an automobile engine to work properly.
The performance of gasoline is measured by its octane rating, which indicates its resistance to premature ignition, also known as 'knocking'. The higher the octane rating, the better the fuel will perform in the vehicle. Tetraethyl lead was once used to increase the octane rating, but due to health hazards, it is no longer used in automotive gasoline.
In the United States, gasoline remains the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks. However, consumption has levelled off in recent years, with a notable decrease in motor gasoline sales in California.
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Diesel
In the past, diesel engines were associated with noise pollution and dark smoke, but these issues have largely been resolved with modern technology. In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also issued requirements to reduce the sulfur content of diesel fuel, which was previously responsible for harmful air pollution emissions.
It is important to note that diesel fuel should not be used in gasoline engines, as it can clog up the fuel system and cause engine damage.
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Octane ratings
Octane is a chemical substance that exists in gasoline; higher-octane fuel is of better quality. From regular to premium grades, octane ratings are crucial indicators of fuel stability and performance, potentially influencing your engine's efficiency, power, and longevity. Choosing the right octane grade is important for optimising your vehicle's performance while helping to avoid issues like engine knocking, reduced efficiency, and potential damage.
There are three main fuel grades based on their octane ratings: regular grade, with an octane rating of 87; mid-grade fuel, usually averaging 89 or 90; and premium grade, with octane ratings from 91 to 94. Mid-grade gasoline, also known as plus or mid-octane fuel, falls between regular and premium in terms of octane rating. With an octane rating typically ranging from 89 to 90, mid-grade fuel offers slightly higher resistance to knocking compared to regular fuel. It is often chosen by drivers with vehicles that require a bit more performance than what regular fuel provides but don't necessarily require the higher octane of premium fuel. Premium gasoline has the highest octane rating among the three grades, typically ranging from 91 to 94. This fuel provides maximum resistance to knocking and is recommended for high-performance or high-compression engines. Vehicles such as sports cars, luxury cars, and some high-end SUVs often require or perform better with premium fuel. While premium fuel comes at a higher price point compared to regular and mid-grade fuel, it can deliver improved engine performance and efficiency in compatible vehicles.
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. Currently, high-octane fuel is marketed as 'premium', but automotive manufacturers have expressed interest in raising the minimum octane pool in the United States to enable smaller, more efficient engines.
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Ethanol blends
However, ethanol blends can increase evaporative emissions and some pollutants, depending on factors such as the age of the vehicle and weather conditions. Higher ethanol blends, such as E15 (15% ethanol and 85% gasoline) and E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), are available but may require engine modifications to meter increased fuel volume. E15 is approved for use in 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles in the US, representing about 62% of vehicles on the road.
Flex-fuel vehicles that can operate on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% are available from major automakers. These vehicles typically cost about the same as gasoline-powered cars and can provide a more environmentally friendly option for consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cars use gasoline, which is also known as petrol. However, there are other types of fuel that cars can use, including diesel, electricity, and ethanol blends.
Gasoline is the most widely used fuel for cars and light-duty trucks in the US. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, is denser than gasoline and is used in a smaller number of cars and trucks. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel economy and require less maintenance.
Ethanol blends are a combination of gasoline and ethanol, which is made from renewable resources like corn and soybeans. E85, for example, is 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol. Ethanol blends are generally cheaper than gasoline but can lead to lower miles per gallon.
