Rajan Wilcox
The type of fuel a car takes depends on the type of engine it has. Most cars today run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. Gasoline is the most common automobile fuel and is used all over the world to power cars, motorcycles, scooters, boats, lawnmowers, and other machinery. It is also known as petrol and is designed for four-stroke engines. Gasoline allows for quick starting, fast acceleration, easy combustion, and quiet operation. However, there are other types of fuel as well, such as diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol. Diesel is a different type of fuel obtained from crude oil and is more expensive than gasoline. Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable liquid fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. Ethanol is a biofuel alternative to gasoline made from the conversion of sugarcane, corn, barley, and other natural products. Electric cars are also gaining popularity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common fuel type | Gasoline or petrol |
| Alternative fuel types | Diesel, E85, Liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, liquid nitrogen, electricity |
| Fuel grade | Regular, Plus or Premium (higher octane) |
| Fuel choice factors | Cost, vehicle type, engine type, environmental impact, convenience |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline/petrol is the most common fuel for cars
Gasoline, also known as petrol, is the most common fuel for cars. It is a specialised fossil fuel designed for four-stroke engines, which are found in most cars. Gasoline is so common because it allows for quick starting, fast acceleration, easy combustion, and quiet operation. It is also used to power motorcycles, scooters, boats, lawnmowers, and other machinery.
While gasoline is the most common fuel, it is not the only fuel used in cars. Diesel is the second most common fuel, particularly for large and industrial trucks, transfer trucks, agricultural equipment, tractor-trailer trucks, buses, boats, and trains. Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, but it allows drivers to travel longer distances. Diesel engines generally offer better fuel economy and require less maintenance.
There are also alternative fuels, such as E85, a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol, which is becoming increasingly popular. Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen, but most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are also gaining popularity, but they require the operator to ensure the battery is charged before driving. Hybrid models use both a gasoline engine and an electric engine.
The type of fuel a car needs is dictated by the driver's manual, and there should also be a label on the fuel door indicating the correct type of fuel. It is important to use the right type of fuel, as using the wrong fuel can damage the engine.
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Diesel fuel is second most common
In the United States, gasoline remains the most widely used fuel for the majority of cars and light-duty trucks. Diesel fuel is the second most common fuel type. Diesel is a fossil fuel obtained from crude oil and is more expensive than gasoline. It is denser than regular fuel and is used in vehicles designed specifically to run on diesel. Many heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, boats, and agricultural equipment, are equipped with diesel engines. Diesel fuel is also used in some transfer trucks and trains.
Diesel engines cannot run on gasoline, and vice versa, as gasoline does not ignite properly in a diesel engine and burns too quickly, resulting in very low power output. Diesel fuel generally offers better fuel economy and requires less maintenance than gasoline engines. Diesel engines can often emit less carbon dioxide than gasoline engines, but they produce more organic compounds and nitrous oxide.
Biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease, can be used in diesel vehicles without engine modification if it is a low percentage of the fuel. Higher levels of biodiesel require engine modifications. Diesel fuel is also sometimes used in gas oil, which is found in stations situated on roads.
With the rising price of gasoline, there has been a resurgence of diesel-powered vehicles in recent years. However, diesel-powered cars can be more expensive than gasoline-powered cars due to the extra technology required.
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Compressed natural gas (CNG) is an alternative
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. However, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an alternative fuel that is growing in popularity. CNG vehicles use natural gas fuel, such as liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas, instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. CNG is a renewable and biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease.
CNG vehicles offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars. Firstly, they are better for the environment, emitting less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. CNG engines also tend to run quieter, have a longer lifespan, and require less maintenance. Additionally, CNG is frequently cheaper than gasoline or diesel, and the price tends to be more stable.
Despite these advantages, there are some challenges to adopting CNG vehicles. One major impediment is the limited availability of fueling stations, which can reduce the driving range for everyday personal use. The upfront costs of CNG vehicles, including equipment installation or conversion, can also be higher than those of traditional vehicles. Repairs for a natural gas engine also require specialized maintenance that many localized mechanics may not be equipped to handle.
CNG vehicles have gained traction in recent years, particularly for long-haul transportation fleets and public transportation. As of 2024, it was estimated that there were over 23 million CNG vehicles in operation worldwide, with the largest numbers in Iran, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, and India. The Asia-Pacific region leads the way in CNG adoption, with 5.7 million vehicles as of 2011.
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Electric cars are becoming more popular
Most cars run on gasoline, which is a refined petroleum distillate. However, electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, with sales figures rising and an increasing number of used EVs becoming available. This is particularly true in advanced markets, where the EV stock is ageing and second-hand EVs are becoming more affordable. In 2023, the market for used electric vehicles included about 800,000 vehicles in China, 400,000 in the United States, and over 450,000 in several European countries. The prices of used electric cars are dropping, making them more accessible to consumers.
The emergence of second-hand markets for used electric cars is critical to fostering mass-market adoption, especially as new electric cars remain expensive. This is a similar pattern to that of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), where the majority of purchases are made in the second-hand market. In the United States, for example, more than half of second-hand electric cars are already priced below USD 30,000, with the average price expected to drop further. In Europe, second-hand battery electric cars can be found between EUR 15,000 and EUR 25,000 (USD 16,000-27,000).
In addition to the growing second-hand market, major carmakers have also announced the launch of smaller and more affordable electric car models. However, it is worth noting that the number of expected launches for smaller models is significantly lower than that of SUVs, large models, and pick-up trucks. Nevertheless, the availability of more affordable options, both new and used, is contributing to the increasing popularity of electric cars.
The rise in electric car usage has had a positive environmental impact. In 2023, EV use saved more than 220 million tonnes of GHG emissions globally, compared to 80 million in 2022. Electric cars have also gained popularity due to the development of renewable energies and the Vehicle-To-Grid technology, which enables energy to be pushed back to the power grid from the battery of an electric vehicle. Furthermore, electric trucks are becoming increasingly common, with manufacturers striving for an all-electric future and various ambitious policies supporting this transition.
While electric cars are becoming more popular, there are still some challenges to overcome. For example, the development of dedicated charging spaces for heavy-duty electric vehicles is still in its early stages, and the infrastructure for ultra-fast charging is not yet widely available. Additionally, some commenters have expressed concerns about the higher expense of owning and operating electric vehicles compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Despite these challenges, electric cars are expected to become even more prevalent in the coming years, with predictions of up to 30% of all cars on US roads being electric by 2033.
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Ethanol is a biofuel alternative
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. However, with the growing concern over the environmental impact of fossil fuels, ethanol is being considered as a biofuel alternative.
Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced transportation fuel. It is made from starch or sugar-based crops, such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane, and oil palms. Ethanol blends, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) and E85 (flex fuel, containing 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol), can be used in conventional gasoline vehicles. Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance.
One of the benefits of ethanol is that it improves public health and the environment and contributes to a resilient transportation system. The carbon dioxide released when ethanol is burned is offset by the carbon dioxide captured when the feedstock crops are grown. On average, corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to gasoline and diesel production and use. Additionally, the production and use of ethanol create jobs and boost household incomes.
However, there are also drawbacks to using ethanol as a biofuel. The production of ethanol requires large quantities of arable land, which can lead to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and negative impacts on the environment. The process of growing corn to produce ethanol also consumes fossil fuels and can impact food production. Furthermore, ethanol is not compatible with all vehicles, and using it in cars not designed for flex fuel can damage the gas tank and fuel line components.
While ethanol shows promise as a biofuel alternative, a careful consideration of its pros and cons is necessary to effectively utilize it as part of the energy transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cars take gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate.
Other types of fuel used by cars include diesel, biodiesel, and E85 (a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol).
Electric cars run on electricity rather than gas.
Hybrid cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric engine.
The type of fuel your car needs depends on its engine. Refer to your driver's manual or the label on the fuel door to identify the correct fuel type.
