Ameer Randolph
The type of fuel a car runs on depends on a variety of factors, including the make and model of the car, the availability of fuel, and the driver's budget. The most common type of fuel for cars is gasoline, which is used to power the majority of cars and light-duty trucks in the US. However, other types of fuel such as diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, and electricity are also used. Diesel fuel is made from petroleum and is commonly used in large and industrial trucks, transfer trucks, and agricultural equipment. Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable liquid fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease, which can be used in diesel vehicles with minor modifications. Ethanol is a renewable resource made from corn and sugarcane that is added to gasoline as an additive. Electric cars, which run on electricity, are becoming increasingly popular as they produce zero emissions and help meet air quality, public health, and climate goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common fuel type | Gasoline |
| Other fuel types | Diesel, CNG, Ethanol (E85 or flex fuel), biodiesel |
| Fuel grade | Regular, Premium, Mid-grade |
| Fuel type indicators | "Diesel Fuel Only", "Unleaded Gasoline Only" |
| Fuel type impact | Engine damage if incorrect fuel type is used |
| Fuel composition | Gasoline is made from petroleum |
| Fuel economy | Diesel cars offer better fuel economy |
| Fuel emissions | Biodiesel emissions are 74% lower than those from petroleum diesel |
| Fuel efficiency | Higher octane fuel does not improve efficiency |
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Gasoline
The formulation of gasoline may differ depending on the location where it is sold and the season of the year. For example, some areas with federal and state air pollution control programs are required to use specially formulated gasoline to reduce certain emissions, and the formulation may change during winter and summer. The main difference between winter- and summer-grade gasoline is vapor pressure, which is important for an automobile engine to work properly.
Straight-run gasoline, sometimes referred to as naphtha, is distilled directly from crude oil. It was once the leading source of fuel, but its low octane rating required organometallic fuel additives, primarily tetraethyl lead, which was phased out in the United States starting in 1975 due to health hazards. Catalytic cracked gasoline, produced with a catalytic cracker, has a moderate octane rating, while hydrocrackate, produced with a hydrocracker, has a medium to low octane rating.
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Diesel
However, diesel engines have a smaller market share in the US compared to Europe, with some US consumers considering it a dirty fuel due to past issues with noise pollution and dark smoke. While advancements have been made to address these concerns, certain types of diesel fuel, such as black diesel and biodiesel, can negatively impact vehicle performance. It's important to note that diesel fuel cannot be used in gasoline engines, and vice versa, as the engines are designed differently.
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Electric
There are also hybrid cars, which use more than one means of propulsion. They combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The main advantages of hybrid cars are that they consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than comparable petrol or diesel-engined vehicles.
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Hydrogen
HFCVs are powered by the same kind of electric motor as battery-electric cars, but instead of a large, heavy battery, they are powered by a fuel-cell stack. The hydrogen passes through a membrane in the fuel cell stack to combine with oxygen from the air, producing the electricity that turns the wheels, as well as water vapour. This makes HFCVs zero-emissions vehicles, with only water vapour emitted through the exhaust.
HFCVs are also very energy-efficient, with regenerative braking that recaptures wasted energy as the car slows down. They are also quiet, and have a range and performance equivalent to their gasoline counterparts. However, the challenge for automotive engineers is that hydrogen fuel cells are most suitable for a steady power output, while the power demands in the average car can vary considerably. To address this, some HFCV makers add a high-voltage low-capacity battery, similar to those used in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.
As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, all of them in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. Since 2015, 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 has sold only about 1,600 Nexo SUVs in six years. Toyota, the company most devoted to hydrogen power, has sold roughly 14,300 Mirai sedans across two generations in the US.
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Ethanol
However, there are also some drawbacks to using ethanol as fuel. One major concern is its impact on small engines, such as those in lawnmowers and power equipment. Higher concentrations of ethanol can be corrosive to carburetors and other fuel system components, leading to potential engine damage or failure. Additionally, ethanol has a lower stored energy value compared to gasoline, which means that engines may need to be modified to compensate for the increased fuel volume required.
The production and use of ethanol also have environmental considerations. While ethanol is a renewable resource, the process of growing crops, harvesting, and converting them into ethanol can require significant energy input, potentially offsetting some of the environmental benefits. Additionally, there are concerns about the large amount of arable land required for crop production, which could impact food prices and availability.
Despite these challenges, ethanol remains an important alternative fuel option, particularly for flex-fuel vehicles. Several car models can run on 100% ethanol, and many car manufacturers are designing vehicles with ethanol compatibility in mind. In countries like Brazil, flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol blends are mandated, reflecting a global shift towards renewable and alternative fuel sources.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of fuel for cars are gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel. Gasoline is the most common automobile fuel and is used all over the world to power cars, motorcycles, scooters, boats, lawnmowers, and other machinery. Diesel is also a common fuel type, used in large trucks, transfer trucks, and agricultural equipment. Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable liquid fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn, sugarcane, or soybeans. It is sometimes added as an additive to gasoline. While it is not widely used as a general automobile fuel, some car manufacturers are designing vehicles that can be powered by ethanol. If your car was built in 2002 or later, you may be able to use a blend of ethanol and gasoline.
The difference between regular and premium fuel is the amount of octane. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which means it burns slower and weaker than regular fuel when pressurized. SUVs and sports cars with higher compression ratios may require premium fuel, but most vehicles can run on regular fuel.
You can refer to your car's owner's manual or the label on the fuel door to determine the correct type of fuel. It is important to use the proper fuel for your car to avoid damage to the engine.
