Katerina Swanson
There are several types of cars that run on fuel, electricity, or a combination of both. The most widely used form of fuel in cars is unleaded petrol, which is made by distilling petroleum. Another popular fuel is diesel, which is created from crude oil. Diesel vehicles tend to have higher miles per gallon (MPG) and are therefore suitable for long-distance driving. Electric vehicles (EVs), on the other hand, are powered by battery packs that require regular recharging. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine the use of gasoline and electricity, offering increased fuel economy and an all-electric option. Other alternative fuel sources include hydrogen, biofuels, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Cars that run on fuel and electric
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) |
| Engine | Gasoline and electric |
| Fuel economy | 30-50 miles per gallon |
| Driving options | All-electric, all-gas, or a combination |
| Fuel efficiency | 30-35% more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline vehicles |
| Cost | Lower than fully electric vehicles but higher than traditional fuel vehicles |
| Refuelling | Requires both gas and electricity refuelling stations |
| Best for | Short daily commutes with the occasional longer drive |
| Federal tax credits | Up to $7,500 |
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What You'll Learn
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine electric and gasoline power, offering a practical, efficient step towards greener mobility. They are similar to conventional hybrid cars but with a larger battery pack that can be charged by attaching it to an external power source. This enables PHEVs to run at slower speeds using electricity alone. Regenerative braking or the internal combustion engine (ICE) can also provide additional battery charging. When cruising at high speeds, the internal combustion engine may take over, and in certain cases, the engine's efficiency can be raised by the electric motor.
PHEVs have three modes: combustion, hybrid, and electric. In combustion mode, the vehicle's charge is stored until it is needed. In hybrid mode, the engine and battery power work together as efficiently as possible, with a computer optimising engine and motor use. In electric mode, the vehicle operates solely on battery power until it runs out, after which the engine may need to step in. The best PHEVs seamlessly integrate the two power sources so that the driver won't notice the difference when switching between modes.
PHEVs offer the fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle with the added benefit of all-electric power for shorter distances. They are ideal for those who want to reduce their fuel costs and maintenance expenses over time. By plugging in a PHEV overnight, it's like having a full tank of fuel every morning. This makes PHEVs perfect for daily commutes and errands around town, as well as longer cross-country trips. However, it's important to note that PHEVs may require more frequent charging than traditional gasoline vehicles, and their performance can depend on how they are used and maintained.
PHEVs are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a compromise between fully electric and gasoline-only vehicles. They are eligible for local, state, and federal tax credits, helping to lower the cost of these vehicles. Additionally, PHEVs do not face the same limitations as fully electric cars when it comes to time-consuming charging times and the availability of charging infrastructure. For many buyers, PHEVs offer the perfect middle ground between electric and gasoline-only cars.
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Electric vehicles (EVs)
EVs offer excellent efficiency and are cheaper to operate than conventional hybrid or gas-powered vehicles. They provide about 40% more fuel efficiency than conventional gas-powered vehicles, and some PHEVs offer up to 30-35% more fuel efficiency than regular gasoline vehicles. Additionally, many EV models qualify for tax credits and incentives, making them an even more cost-effective option. Charging an EV at home is typically the most cost-effective option, especially if your home has on-site solar panels or access to community solar power.
The infrastructure for EVs is also growing, with a rising number of EV charging stations making it easier to charge on the go. However, it is important to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place before purchasing an EV, such as qualified electric service centres and charging stations nearby. The suggested retail price of EVs is typically higher, but the long-term savings on fuel and potential tax credits can offset this initial cost.
EVs are best suited for short to medium-length commutes, as they typically have a limited range per charge. Most PHEVs have an all-electric range of 20 to 50 miles, while fully electric vehicles can go less than 100 miles per charge. Therefore, EVs are ideal for those with shorter daily commutes and occasional longer drives, as they can take advantage of the electric power without needing to rely solely on the gasoline engine.
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Hydrogen-powered cars
A hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle uses an electric motor to turn the wheels, similar to a battery-electric car. However, instead of being powered by a large, heavy battery, it is powered by a fuel-cell stack. In this stack, pure hydrogen (H2) combines with oxygen (O2) from the air, producing electricity to turn the wheels and water vapour as a by-product. This makes hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles zero-emission cars, with water vapour being their only emission.
The process of refuelling a hydrogen-powered car is similar to that of a traditional gas station. HFCV drivers refill their vehicles' carbon-fibre high-pressure tanks at "hydrogen fuelling stations". The refuelling time is also comparable, taking only about five minutes.
The Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, combines hydrogen with oxygen from the outside air to generate power without creating tailpipe emissions. The hydrogen from the fuel tank and the air entering from the intake grille meet in the Fuel Cell Stack, where a chemical reaction creates electricity to power the car. The Mirai's hydrogen fuel tanks have been rigorously tested and meet Global Technical Regulation No. 13.
While hydrogen-powered cars offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional fuel vehicles, they also have some challenges. Hydrogen fuel cells are most efficient at a steady power output, making them suitable for backup power but less ideal for the varying power demands of an average car. To address this, some manufacturers add a high-voltage, low-capacity battery to assist with acceleration.
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Biofuel-powered cars
Biofuels are a type of fuel that can be used in cars with diesel engines. Biodiesel concentrations of up to 5% (B5) are approved for safe operation in any diesel engine, including passenger cars and trucks. The use of biofuels in cars has been a topic of debate due to the land required to produce them. The US, for example, uses a UK-sized amount of land to grow biofuels, which only accounts for around 10% of the country's motor gasoline supply.
Proponents of biofuels argue that they have 'net-zero' emissions, as the CO2 produced when they are burned is offset by the CO2 absorbed when the crop is growing. However, critics argue that putting cereals into cars is a poor use of land and contributes to climate change. It has been suggested that using the land currently used for biofuels to generate solar power could be a more efficient way to power electric cars.
While the debate around biofuel-powered cars continues, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using biofuels as a transportation fuel. Some advantages of biofuels include their renewability, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and the potential for lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline. On the other hand, the large amount of land required to produce biofuels, as well as the potential impact on food production and the environment, are significant considerations.
Additionally, the use of biofuels in cars may be influenced by factors such as government regulations, fuel efficiency, and the availability of alternative fuel sources. In conclusion, while biofuel-powered cars offer a potential alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, a comprehensive assessment of their environmental impact, sustainability, and long-term viability is necessary to determine their role in the transition to a greener transportation sector.
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Unleaded petrol-powered cars
Unleaded petrol is typically identified by its octane rating, which measures the fuel's ability to reduce "knocking" during combustion in the engine. Knocking refers to the uneven burning of fuel, which creates noise and potentially causes damage to the engine. The higher the octane rating, the better the fuel is at resisting knocking. Unleaded petrol usually has an octane rating of between 91 and 95 RON (Research Octane Number), with most engines being designed to work optimally with 95 RON fuel.
In recent years, a new variant of unleaded petrol, known as super unleaded, has become available. Super unleaded petrol is a premium version of standard unleaded fuel, boasting a higher octane rating of typically 97 to 99 RON. This higher octane rating makes it particularly suitable for high-performance engines, as it allows for more efficient combustion and fuel compression, resulting in maximum power output. While super unleaded fuel can provide benefits in terms of performance and fuel efficiency, it is not necessary for all vehicles. Regular small or medium-sized cars can generally run on standard unleaded fuel without any significant loss in performance.
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Frequently asked questions
The most widely used form of car fuel is unleaded petrol, which is made by distilling petroleum. Another popular fuel is diesel, which is favoured by heavy-duty vehicles or those that do long journeys. LPG is a low-carbon alternative to petrol, and vehicles can be converted to use both. Other alternative fuels include biofuels, CNG, and hydrogen.
Hybrid cars use a combination of fuel and electricity to increase fuel economy. There are two basic types of hybrids: series and parallel. Series hybrids use an electric motor to drive the car and a gasoline engine to power the battery. Parallel hybrids use both the electric motor and gas engine to drive the vehicle and can be driven in all-electric, all-gas, or a combination mode.
Electric cars are powered by electricity from battery packs within the vehicle. These batteries require regular recharging from an external electric source. Electric cars are generally available in the sub-compact to mid-sized vehicle range and are eligible for tax credits.
Petrol vehicles use an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline, while diesel vehicles use an internal combustion engine fueled by diesel. Diesel vehicles tend to have higher miles per gallon (MPG) and are suitable for long, motorway-style driving. Petrol vehicles are more suitable for city-based, small journeys.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer excellent efficiency and are cheaper to operate than conventional hybrid or gas-powered vehicles. PHEVs have larger batteries than conventional hybrids and can be charged by plugging into an electric outlet or EV charging station.
