While it is true that the demand for car fuel will always continue to exist until we all move to 100% electric vehicles, the differences between engines will involve fuel types as well as the way ignition occurs.
We all know about gasoline and diesel, but there are also other types of fuels that power vehicles today. In the future, who knows, one of the less famous fuel types may become the new primary fuel for vehicles.
Common Types of Fuel for Cars
#1. Gasoline.
Unleaded gasoline is the most common automobile fuel in the United States by far. Regular unleaded is usually the least expensive fuel and it sufficiently provides power for the basic needs of internal combustion engines.
Higher octane gasoline (unleaded plus, super unleaded, premium, etc.) has some benefits and is necessary for certain vehicles but they do come at a premium price. Higher octane typically means a couple degrees higher freezing point (in case that is interesting).
However, burning gasoline is considered to be a fossil fuel and creates carbon which is released into the air. Therefore, gasoline in the atmosphere creates the problem of air pollution that currently exists worldwide and some would argue that it contributes to the global warming crisis.
The reality is all types of fuel have some sort of environmental impact. Electric vehicles aren’t as “clean” as the claims make it seem so regular old gasoline is likely sticking around for a long time.
#2. Diesel.
Diesel fuel is used frequently for larger vehicles like trucks, trains, buses, and tractor trailers. Diesel fuel is actually a fossil fuel similar to gasoline.
It creates less carbon dioxide than gasoline, however, it emits more nitrous oxide and organic compounds that make smog.
One of the positive features of diesel fuel is fuel efficiency as well as diesel engines typically last longer than gasoline.
#3. Biodiesel.
Biodiesel is a green alternative to diesel fuel. Instead of fossil fuel, biodiesel is composed of biological or organic compounds like lipids and fatty acids. Biodiesel can come from many different ingredients, with vegetable oil being the primary source.
Some other ingredients include animal fat, palm oil, rapeseed oil, and soybean oil. Biodiesel is also low in carbon emissions.
#4. Ethanol.
Ethanol is a very green way to cut your carbon footprint. Ethanol is a biofuel derived from biomass, such as barley, sugar cane, or corn. Ethanol has another positive side because it can be used in gasoline engines.
Although ethanol usually is a gasoline additive (98% of gasoline sold in the US contains ethanol), there are very new car models that can run completely on ethanol.
#5. Compressed natural gas.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is an alternative that can power internal combustion engines designed to run on this fuel. One good thing about compressed natural gas is that it is clear and odorless, and is also believed to be 80% less harmful to the ozone layer.
Unfortunately, natural gas-powered vehicles are quite rare in the US, and most of them live in California. Good luck finding a gas station off the California grid that offers CNG!
#6. Liquified petroleum gas.
Also called liquid propane, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is one of the cleanest fuels available. However, liquified petroleum gas is not particularly popular for vehicles in America, although forklifts, buses, trucks, and taxis use it more often.
Other countries have vehicles designed specifically to burn LPG. Liquified petroleum gas was particularly popular in the UK and Australia in the early 2000s, and demand slowed significantly once oil prices dropped.
The major downside with LPG as a fuel is that one gallon of LPG has almost 30% less energy than one gallon of gasoline, thus, you cannot travel as far on a gallon of LPG. Cost can also be an issue as a vehicle must typically be converted for propane use.
#7. Hydrogen.
Hydrogen is a newer, renewable, and clean energy source. This is a fuel that only produces by-products of water and is pollution-free when used in fuel cells. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are essentially electric vehicles.
Instead of plugging a vehicle to charge, you refuel your vehicle with hydrogen, which works electrochemically to produce electricity. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not particularly present, but many anticipate bright futures for these vehicles.
Know What Type of Fuel Your Car Needs
Gasoline vs. Diesel
Most vehicles in the United States use gasoline or diesel. Almost all driver manuals specify the fuel needed, and there is usually a label inside the fuel door listing either “Diesel Fuel Only” or “Unleaded Gasoline Only.” If there is any doubt, call the manufacturer.
It is extremely important to only add the proper gasoline required if your owner’s manual states that you’re car requires gasoline. Gas engines can not burn diesel fuel and vice versa, which means if you add the incorrect fuel type, your car will not start. The much worse situation is that you can cause irreplaceable damage to the engine.
Regular vs. Premium
Again, the types of gasoline depend on the amount of octane the fuel has. Higher octane levels will burn more uniformly and keep the engine cleaner while providing better performance. Most vehicles with high-compression engines, or turbochargers, such as sports cars, use the highest quality gasoline.
The car’s manual should tell you the required gasoline grade. It may recommend premium gas, but not require premium gas. If that’s the case, then your car should run fine on a lower grade of gas, which will save you money.
The Future of Fuels
Internal combustion vehicles will be the popular vehicles, but electric vehicles are becoming more commonly accepted. Currently, electric vehicle sales are about 3 percent of all vehicle sales.
There is active planning for the future by Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis Corporation for that 3 percent to become around 50 percent in only 9 years as they build on electric vehicle sales.
In a further future, we may see even more popularity with hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen would be carried on board in a tank, and the hydrogen would go through a fuel cell to create electricity to propel the electric motor(s).
The only byproduct of hydrogen combustion is water. Hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in less time than battery electric cars.