Different Types of Fuel

By Hanna

Posted on Jan 03, 2018

Types of Fuel

When we go to the gasoline station, we often notice that there are up to 3-4 different fuels for a vehicle. Have you ever wonder what their differences are?What are their types and functions? If you too are wondering, this article will help you understand.

As of today, five types of gasoline are widely used in vehicles. They are the following:

Gasoline

Gasoline or what we often call petrol is the most used fuel in cars today.This is a type of specialized fossil fuel that is specifically designed for four-stroke engines that commonly found in most cars. Based on the website of the University of Michigan on fossil fuel, it helps the car to start quickly, accelerate fast, combust easily and operate quietly.

Gasoline contains hydrocarbon that when burned, produces carbon dioxide. It has a big contribution as to why we experience smog, pollution, and global warming. Because of the fuel’s cost, its effect in the environment and the limited resources, gasoline is still considered as a temporary source even though it is one of those types of fuel that is readily available.

diesel gasoline

Diesel

This type of fuel is most commonly used in heavy transport vehicles like buses, tractor-trailer trucks, trains, and boats. Just like gasoline, diesel is also a fossil fuel that is non-renewable. When it comes to the production of carbon, diesel contributes less than gasoline. But diesel produces more nitrous oxide and organic compounds which cause smog.

According to the website of Petrol Prices, vehicles that use diesel last longer than vehicles that use gasoline. It has 30% better fuel efficiency compared to gasoline-fueled vehicles.

Liquefied Petroleum

Liquefied petroleum is commonly known as propane. This type is a clean alternative fuel to gasoline which is widely used most vehicles. Some hybrid cars in other countries are already designedfor propane use.You have to have your gas engine converted first. It is the only way to have your vehicle be propane-fueled.

This type of fuel, when burned, has fewer toxins production compared to petrol and diesel. It is also cheaper than gasoline.

Compressed Natural Gas

Compressed natural gas or CNGcan be used in either gas or liquid form. It is an odorless, clear and non-corrosive gas.Based on the website of Consumer Energy Center, CNG-fueled vehicles produce 80% less ozone-forming emissions compared to gasoline-fueled cars.

Ethanol

Ethanol is a type of fuel that can be a biofuel alternative to petrol. It is produced from the conversion of sugar cane, barley, corn, and any other natural products. It became popular because it is one of the few fuels that can be used in a gasoline engine without it being modified. Most cars can run on ethanol alone, but it is often used as an additive.

Now you know the five different types of fuel which are widely used in vehicles today. Now you know which fuel has the most contribution to the carbon dioxide emission. It also explains why cities with most car users arethe most polluted ones. It also shows which fuel is preferable to use.