The different types of fuel: fossil, liquid gas, electric, hybrid
- yassine zeddou
- Sep 14, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2024

The different types of fuel: fossil, liquid gas, electric, hybrid
The types of fuel are diverse and play an important role in transportation. Fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel are most commonly used, but they emit greenhouse gases. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a cleaner and cheaper alternative. Electricity provides energy."Electric vehicles reduce pollutant emissions, while hybrids combine thermal and electric engines to improve efficiency. Each of these fuels has advantages and implications for the future of mobility.
What is the difference between conventional and ecological fuels ?
When we look at the fuel landscape for our vehicles, it is important to understand the difference between conventional fuel and eco-friendly alternatives. This distinction affects not only the environmental impact, but also your choice as a consumer who recognizes the importance of sustainable mobility.
Fuel and gasoline belonging to the category
In the category of so-called "gasoline" fuels, you can find several options that differ in composition and environmental impact. These fuels have long been a major player in the automotive scene, but their diversity can sometimes seem confusing
E5
E5, also known as SP95-E5, is a gasoline fuel consisting of 5% ethanol and 95% conventional gasoline. Ethanol, made from organic materials such as corn and sugar cane, offers a more environmentally friendly alternative by reducing car CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. The E5 is widely available in the market and offers drivers a balanced choice between performance and environmental impact.
E10
E10 or SP95-E10 is a gasoline variant that contains 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. By increasing the content of ethanol, E10 strives for carbon dioxide neutrality. Ethanol is produced with the help of plants that absorb CO2 and then release it again. However, for some older vehicles, its use may require minor adjustments, as high ethanol content can affect some engine components. Therefore, before choosing the E10, it is recommended to check whether the vehicle is compatible
E85
E85 or super ethanol is the most environmentally friendly option in the gasoline category. The E85 is made up of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, providing a cleaner alternative. At the same time, the driver can flexibly switch between ethanol and gasoline depending on availability. While E85 is co2 neutral, it is important to note that its availability may vary from region to region.
Type * Diesel* fuel.
In the diesel fuel category, there are various options that affect the performance of the engine and its impact on the environment. Diesel fuel has long been preferred by those who pursue fuel efficiency, but they are not all the same
B7
Also called standard diesel, the b7 is the most common diesel variant. It contains up to 7% biodiesel, which is a component obtained from organic materials. The integration of biodiesel is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the B7 offers a more sustainable option for drivers of conventional diesel vehicles and still remains widely available in the market.
B10
With a biodiesel content of 10%, b10 represents a further step towards the sustainability of the diesel category. This increase in the share of biodiesel will strengthen our commitment to renewable fuels and contribute to the reduction of pollutant emissions. However, as with the E10 for gasoline, using the B10 may require adjustment on some older diesel engines. Therefore, before switching to the B10, be sure to check the compatibility of the vehicle
Gas fuel
In addition to liquid fuels, gaseous fuels are becoming increasingly popular as a cleaner alternative. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are 2 important choices. CNG is mainly composed of methane, which emits less than conventional liquid fuels. Similarly, LPG is mainly used for gasoline cars, but it is considered a cleaner option because the combustion is cleaner
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Biofuel
Biofuels are becoming a fuel category that combines the power of modern technology with a more environmentally friendly approach. Biofuels offer promising alternatives to conventional fossil fuels by using renewable organic materials as a basis
Raw vegetable oil
Raw vegetable oil is a direct biofuel option that uses oils obtained from plants such as rapeseed, soy and sunflower. It can be used as raw fuel in some modified diesel engines, but its use on a large scale poses logistic and environmental challenges. But as untreated biofuels, crude vegetable oils embody a simple and easy approach to reducing emissions.
Biodiesel fuel
Biodiesel is a processed version of crude vegetable oil. Biodiesel is produced by chemical reactions with vegetable oils and animal fats and can be used in conventional diesel engines without major changes. Because its production is based on renewable resources, it provides a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Biodiesel also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the diversification of energy sources
Bioethanol
Bioethanol is a biofuel obtained from the fermentation of plant materials rich in sugar and starch, such as corn, sugar cane and even beets. As ethyl alcohol, bioethanol is usually mixed with gasoline to produce fuels with ethanol content such as e10 and E85. This approach helps to reduce CO2 emissions while at the same time using renewable agricultural resources
Other types of fuel
In addition to the classic categories of gasoline and diesel, other types of fuel appeared in the automotive sector, each of which has its own advantages
Liquid gas
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is becoming a versatile alternative to conventional fuels. LPG is mainly composed of propane and butane, which provides cleaner combustion and reduces CO2 and fine dust emissions. Used more and more in gasoline vehicles, LPG is more and more expensive with a reduced carbon dioxide footprint, thereby making it an attractive choice for those looking for a clean alternative.
Natural gas vehicles
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the commercial vehicle sector. CNG is mainly composed of methane, which has great environmental advantages compared to conventional fuels. Vehicles equipped with CNG emit less air pollutants and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This option is less common in private cars, but it plays an important role in the transition to more sustainable transport.

Hydrogen
In the search for clean drives, hydrogen is becoming the fuel of the future. Hydrogen vehicles use fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity and drive the vehicle's electric motor. The decisive advantage of hydrogen lies in its manufacturing process, which can be obtained from renewable energy sources. While infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is still limited, this promising technology paves the way for mobility that is not locally discharged




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